I was recently served an incredibly good lasagna that contained sweet potatoes (oh yes it did), so now I am officially game for anything. Since I feel celery root is under-utilized and utterly delish, I thought I'd give this recipe a try. This "white lasagna" definitely requires some serious prep time in the kitchen, but it can all be done in advance and the result is nothing short of spectacular. It also serves about 10, which makes it ideal for entertaining and potlucks (but only for people you really, really like). A chic salad of frisee with sliced Fuju persimmon and/or Bosc pear--perhaps topped with a few toasted hazelnuts--and a crusty loaf of artisan bread turn this into a holiday-worthy meal.

I was recently served an incredibly good lasagna that contained sweet potatoes (oh yes it did), so now I am officially game for anything. Since I feel celery root is under-utilized and utterly delish, I thought I'd give this recipe a try. This "white lasagna" definitely requires some serious prep time in the kitchen, but it can all be done in advance and the result is nothing short of spectacular. It also serves about 10, which makes it ideal for entertaining and potlucks (but only for people you really, really like). A chic salad of frisee with sliced Fuju persimmon and/or Bosc pear--perhaps topped with a few toasted hazelnuts--and a crusty loaf of artisan bread turn this into a holiday-worthy meal.

Fun recipe to experiment with especially if you are already have almond milk in your refrigerator or pantry. Non-dairy and healthy.

Fun recipe to experiment with especially if you are already have almond milk in your refrigerator or pantry. Non-dairy and healthy.

After a frantic day of shopping--or just fighting holiday traffic on the drive home from work--nothing soothes the soul like a bowl of homemade soup. As if delicious were not enough, this one is also healthy--and virtually fat-free. A quick-cooking vegetarian stock, made fragrant with ginger and lemongrass, gives it a Southeast Asian undertone that is later highlighted with a garnish of cilantro, lime, and a dash of sambal oeleck. The recipe makes one serving--which could be good or bad, depending upon your circumstances. Feel free to multiply when you want to share; and use a hand-held stick blender to easily finish it off. And for best flavor, always use yam-type sweet potatoes, such as Red Garnet.

After a frantic day of shopping--or just fighting holiday traffic on the drive home from work--nothing soothes the soul like a bowl of homemade soup. As if delicious were not enough, this one is also healthy--and virtually fat-free. A quick-cooking vegetarian stock, made fragrant with ginger and lemongrass, gives it a Southeast Asian undertone that is later highlighted with a garnish of cilantro, lime, and a dash of sambal oeleck. The recipe makes one serving--which could be good or bad, depending upon your circumstances. Feel free to multiply when you want to share; and use a hand-held stick blender to easily finish it off. And for best flavor, always use yam-type sweet potatoes, such as Red Garnet.

Fried potatoes, crisp bacon, large chunks of salmon, and a poached egg--what's not to like? Chopped fresh chives and a splash of hot sauce provide added seasonal flair. This is billed as a brunch recipe, but I think it makes a perfectly yummy dinner for whenever I have a leftover piece of cooked salmon in the refrigerator. Serve with buttered toasted baguette (or garlic bread, if you're in the mood) and a salad of arugula, shaved fennel, and peeled & sliced blood oranges. And I'll bet if you search around the kitchen, you'll find some holiday cookies for dessert.

Fried potatoes, crisp bacon, large chunks of salmon, and a poached egg--what's not to like? Chopped fresh chives and a splash of hot sauce provide added seasonal flair. This is billed as a brunch recipe, but I think it makes a perfectly yummy dinner for whenever I have a leftover piece of cooked salmon in the refrigerator. Serve with buttered toasted baguette (or garlic bread, if you're in the mood) and a salad of arugula, shaved fennel, and peeled & sliced blood oranges. And I'll bet if you search around the kitchen, you'll find some holiday cookies for dessert.