A whole chicken is rubbed inside and out with herbs, then baked with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil for a light Italian dish.

A whole chicken is rubbed inside and out with herbs, then baked with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil for a light Italian dish.

Pickles seem to work wonders for this simple salad. Sweet pickles are mixed in with the peas and other salad ingredients, and pickle juice is mixed into the dressing.

Spicy shredded pork loin with onion and green chili peppers, seasoned Mexican style.

Spicy shredded pork loin with onion and green chili peppers, seasoned Mexican style.

Dip those wings in egg and flour, then pour a basic soy sauce, sugar and vinegar sauce over them and bake to completion. Good to take to a potluck dinner.

Fillets of firm fish (such as salmon, swordfish, halibut, etc.) crusted with herbs and spices and then grilled or pan fried until 'blackened'.

Chunks of beef are simmered with mixed vegetables, mushrooms, celery and pasta and seasoned with oregano, thyme, basil, parsley and cayenne.

This is a chopped salad with lots of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and peppers. Fresh parsley, basil and garlic are folded in and just a hint of vinegar is splashed on to give it some bite. Chill and the flavors pop out. Six generous servings.

These cute little peanut butter and jelly muffins make a great snack, and are a welcome surprise in a loved one's lunch box!

This is so easy with amazing results. A mildly spiced summer sausage made with mustard seed and black pepper. It's great for snacks with chunks of cheese on the side.

This is wonderful with spaghetti, lasagna, or another Italian dish, but my family likes it with almost anything. It's very good if made the day before you need it, then split down the middle, buttered, and reheated at mealtime. I use a bread machine, but it can be made without. I like to use the dough cycle, then bake it in a French loaf pan.

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are marinated in ranch dressing that has been spiked with garlic and fresh basil. Then they're chilled for a bit, and then grilled to become moist and flavorful.

Green beans are sauteed with chicken, onion and garlic, then tossed in a creamy cheese sauce. These are the BEST green beans you will ever have. This recipe can be altered to your liking. I throw bacon in and omit the chicken for a side dish. Makes wonderful leftovers, but there are never any unless I eat them alone.

This is a traditional bread pudding in which blended egg and milk are poured over cubes of stale bread and raisins and then baked in a moderate oven.

A delightfully light celebration of fruity combinations! The possible variations are endless with different cake flavors and fruit combinations. Try mixing fresh fruit in with your pie filling!

My best friend's mom made these when we were kids. They are the best cookies I have ever eaten, and I have yet to screw up a batch! Warning: you may be tempted to eat the entire recipe!!

There is no sugar added to this pie, so the sweetness that you taste comes from the natural goodness of the apples. Lemon juice and cinnamon are added for some zing along with a bit of butter just before the top crust is put on. It bakes up golden brown within 45 minutes.

Mouthwatering scallops and spinach, topped off with a rich Parmesan cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and delicious!

Pre-packaged crescent roll dough gets baked into a single rectangle, then topped with ranch dressing-spiked cream cheese and crunchy vegetables.

Pre-packaged crescent roll dough gets baked into a single rectangle, then topped with ranch dressing-spiked cream cheese and crunchy vegetables.

Peeled eggplant slices are coated with seasoned, crumbled butter crackers then baked topped with grated cheese. Serve with a red sauce.

Peeled eggplant slices are coated with seasoned, crumbled butter crackers then baked topped with grated cheese. Serve with a red sauce.

Combining Indian and Asian ingredients, these are some of the best pork chops we've eaten!

Lots of oranges in this one. There's orange juice in the dressing and mandarin orange sections in the salad. And the grilled chicken is basted and grilled with a bit of the orange marinade.