Mushrooms. I just can't seem to get enough of them — dried, fresh, of any variety — as I am wont to say, I've never met an edible mushroom I did not like. This time they served as an accompaniment to dinner over toasted crusty bread, but these open-faced sandwiches would also make for a nice satisfying lunch or appetizer. Because these are really easier and most pleasant when eaten with a knife and fork, they are best served over small slices of bread, such as from a baguette, if serving as hors d'oeuvres. You can be certain they will be a crowd-pleaser.

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This recipe was presented in the book from which I adapted it as a breakfast or brunch recipe, but I decided that I would like to serve these fresh sweet and savory herbed split pea patties with apple compote for dinner instead. The compote is sweet of course but does not overwhelm the fresh savoriness of the patties. I enjoy little bites, and especially patties that are relatively easy to prepare, especially when they are baked. No need to fry these in batches, and baking cuts down on not only time and cleaning but excess oil too.

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For many years now, I have been fondly referred to as the biscuit queen. After much practice with many types of flours, combinations and techniques, I seem to have essentially mastered the art of quick breads. These ones from Blissful Basil caught my eye because they were vegan and included oat flour along with some of my favorite herbs. I also could not resist the idea of sun-dried tomatoes and I assure you they are a staple in my kitchen because one never knows when the urge might hit me to include some in a dish. The sun-dried tomatoes really gave these easy biscuits an extra boost of tangy flavor along with the underlying hint of dried herbs present. Slightly crispy on the outside and flaky soft inside, serve them for breakfast or alongside soups, pasta, curries or any other dinner that just cries out for some bread on the side.

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As much as I enjoy cooking, even though it's just my husband and I residing here (and two cats, but they eat from a bag of rather expensive kibbles, and my best friend who comes over once a week to share dinner with a healthy appetite, but not for the cat food), it's enough some weeks just to keep up with dinner and I try to make enough so that my husband has food to take to work. I do not want him buying crap from his workplace as the options there are less than ideal. So, I usually make a more complex meal on the weekend, and throughout the week I go for faster options that usually employ staples I have on hand. As I always say, simplicity need not be boring and it can be downright delicious, especially if served up with a vegetable side and some rice or flat breads.

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