Author: Lily

There’s a cast iron skillet I picked up at an estate sale in Vermont about six years ago. It’s heavy, seasoned beautifully, and has become my go-to for almost every weeknight dinner. One pan. Minimal cleanup. Maximum flavor. That’s the beauty of skillet cooking. You’re not juggling multiple pots or timing five different components. Everything happens in one place, building layers of flavor as you go. And when you’re working with vegetables, legumes, and eggs, you can absolutely nail dinner in under 25 minutes. Here are seven ideas to get you started. 1) Chickpea and spinach shakshuka Shakshuka is one…

Polpette is a classic Italian meatball recipe simmered to juicy perfection in a simple tomato sauce. The best part is that everything is cooked in the same pot! Photo Credits: Ali Redmond Why You’ll Love My Classic Italian Meatball Recipe Both the meatballs and the sauce are made in the same pan for easy clean up. Enjoy it on its own or with pasta Easy to freeze for later. Polpette (pronounced pol-pette-eh) is a hearty Italian meatball recipe that’s beloved on its own, no pasta required! Tender spheres of ground beef seasoned liberally with garlic, herbs, and cheese are briefly…

Maybe you’ve seen microgreens at your local farmer’s market or farm to table restaurant. These little green plants are similar to sprouts, and just as packed with nutrients. Growing microgreens at home is really easy and offers so many health benefits! What are Microgreens? Microgreens are miniature plants of greens, herbs, or other vegetables. Like sprouts, they’re a concentrated nutrient source and packed with beneficial enzymes thanks to their rapid growth. While sprouts are grown without soil and are sprouted seeds, microgreens rely on soil or another growing medium.  Microgreens are popular at gourmet restaurants because of their distinct flavor…

Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news: Austin, Texas-based Torchy’s Tacos announced that they are closing their two remaining stores in central Ohio and exiting the central Ohio market completely. They closed their first local store near Polaris last August, and the Dublin and New Albany/Gahanna shops will close on Feb. 3. Mezcla modern Mexican restaurant in Italian Village is temporarily closed after a car crashed into their front door last week. The owners have launched a GoFundMe in support of their employees while the restaurant is shuttered. Yogi’s Bar & Grill is continuing to expand with the announcement…

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

If you’ve been asking “does HRT help with weight loss?” or “will HRT help with weight loss?”, you’re not alone. Many women struggling with weight changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause, feel frustrated when diet and exercise don’t seem to work like they used to. Nearly everybody experiences hormonal shifts over time that affect appetite, metabolism, and fat storage, and it’s perfectly normal to wonder whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be part of the solution. As a physician specializing in obesity medicine, I understand how confusing it can feel. To understand things better, let’s walk through what science actually…

Have you ever looked in the mirror and done a double take? Who is that person with the wrinkles and gray hair? The face that feels familiar, but not quite the same? Or maybe you’ve come across an old photo. And for a second, you were startled by how young you looked. Smooth skin. Thicker hair. A body that seemed to bounce back from anything. Sure, we all have moments like that. It only becomes a problem when those moments turn into comparison. Or worse, dissatisfaction. When we start chasing youth instead of living the life we actually have. Part…

Italian and Italian-American cooking spans a wide range of styles, from multi-step classics to beautifully simple dishes that rely on just a few quality ingredients. These recipes highlight that simpler side of the diverse cuisine, showing how you can create Italian-inspired meals with minimal prep and fewer ingredients—no long hours required. With 12 recipes that come together quickly and deliver plenty of comfort, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy in no time. Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (Roman Sheep Herder’s Pasta) Dotdash Meredith Food Studios “This peasant food comes from Roman sheep herders who had little time and money…

This delicious classic keto Italian lemon zabaglione needs just 4 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of time to make! Just 3 grams of carbs! A Classic Italian Dessert Made the Easiest Way Lemon zabaglione is considered a classic Italian dessert, traditionally made with rich egg yolks, sugar, and dessert wines like Marsala or Vin Santo. Over the years, I’ve learned that the easiest way to make it at home is using a double boiler and keeping the heat low and steady. This recipe starts with a simple egg yolk mixture, no flour, no egg whites, no baking -just yolks, sweetener, lemon juice,…

Let’s address the elephant in the kitchen: traditional risotto is delicious, but it’s also a commitment. Standing over a pot, ladling broth, stirring constantly for 25 minutes. It’s meditative if you’re in the mood. It’s maddening if you’re not. Good news. You can get that same creamy, starchy comfort without the arm workout. These one-pot risotto-style recipes use smart techniques like oven baking, strategic liquid ratios, and the right rice varieties to deliver results with minimal babysitting. You’ll stir occasionally, sure. But you won’t be held hostage by your stovetop. Oven-baked mushroom and thyme risotto The oven does the heavy…