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about the author

Articles written by

Jackie Plant freelances as a recipe developer and editor/food writer for magazines and websites such as Weight Watchers, Family Circle and Culture magazines, while contributing to the development of cookbooks. She has spent much of the past 20 years developing recipes and writing about food for national magazines, such as Parents, Country Living and Woman’s Day Magazine.

Chicken Cacciatore


Depending on whom you ask, the mild taste of chicken is either a merit or a handicap. Is it a blank canvas or a bland cutlet? The answer, of course, is that it’s both. All good cooks know this and use it to their advantage, easily transforming a ho-hum piece of chicken into a savory […]

Salumi and Asiago Crisps


The bitterness in hoppy beers can cut through snacks with prominent fat and saltiness to release more flavor. An excellent choice: Victory HopDevil India Pale Ale (Downington, Pa.), with plenty of American-grown hops and a malt sweetness that plays nicely with the Asiago. Ultra-thin salami is the key to getting these salty snacks to crisp […]

Lamb-Feta Sliders


Small bites with big, bright flavors of mint and lemon, these sliders beg for beer with ample carbonation and a hint of fruitiness. Look to Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, a German wheat beer with the classic characteristics of banana, clove, and citrus. Forget the ketchup. These Middle East–inspired mini burgers deserve more interesting toppings, such as red […]

Grilled Corn Chowder with Smoked Gouda and Crostini


Take advantage of farm-fresh sweet corn at its peak: Simply shuck and start grilling. Cook corn, onion, and red pepper a day or two in advance if you happen to have the grill fired up for another meal.

Creamy Artichoke Chèvre Dip


Prepare this tangy crowd-pleaser several hours before serving to allow its flavors to meld. Try Ommegang Witte (Cooperstown, N.Y.), a classic Belgian-style white beer spiced with orange peel and coriander; it won’t overpower the delicate flavors of artichoke and chèvre, yet it has the palate-cleansing power to cut through both the mayo and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Squares of grilled pizza with herbs, cheese, and sliced zucchini on top

Lavash Pizza with Zucchini & Gorgonzola


Grilling lavash guarantees a crispy crust—no dough rolling required

9 assembled basic homemade ravioli

Ravioli Pasta Dough


Fresh pasta is surprisingly easy to make (like an edible Play-Doh!), and making your own ravioli pasta dough let’s you control what cheesy fillings go inside

Roasted Butternut Squash, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Agnolotti al Plin

Butternut Squash, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ravioli


Fall flavors of sage and butternut squash come together in blue cheese ravioli punctuated with toothsome walnuts and coated in toasted brown butter sauce

Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Tortelli


With such a flavorful, robust filling, a light cream sauce of lemon and fresh pepper is all these Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Tortellini need for dressing

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