Did you know that the USDA ranks dandelion in the top four green vegetables in overall nutritional value? Or that DEBRA ranks avocados among the most wonderful things on Earth?

o early for tomatoes, zucchini are still expensive, and we aren’t ready for cold salads…. it’s still cool enough to turn on the oven, roast vegetables, and dream of summer!

Buckwheat! You either love it… or you haven’t tried it yet. This Japanese/Russian supergrain cooks quickly, and is packed with flavor. And it marries especially well with chicken.

About five minutes to get into the oven. Gluten-free, grain-free, with the richness of nuts and eggs; and loved by everyone.

Simple and delicious. Beautiful to look at. You feel full, but not too full, and you don’t feel thirsty afterward either!

North African “home food,” ready in 15-30 minutes depending on if you use hard or soft lentils. Gently, warmly spiced.

Dried apricots and dates are the key to these macaroons. They provide sweetness, and also bind the other ingredients. So no need for flour, eggs, or sugar.

Blini are yeasted savory pancakes, traditionally served with caviar and crème fraiche. This version is vegetarian, and gluten-free.”

The Walnut Surprise Cookies in my first cookbook are, surprise! brownies. And the best cookie ever. Now I’ve subbed out the flour for nut meal, for a richer, denser, gluten-free treat.

Warming, with the natural, vegetal sweetness of the root veggies and squash. This is autumnal comfort food.

Pineapple and macadamia nuts enliven the traditional dour cabbage. Umeboshi (Japanese plum) vinegar adds pizzazz.