Fresh! (In the Kitchen)

Inspired by our Main Dish: News of the day story about urban foraging, we decided to track down a recipe featuring a fruit in all its splendor right now in Connecticut, home of Cookin' Teens. And since it's nearing graduation time for many teens we thought we'd make that recipe work well for a party. This recipe, from Food Management, features the lovely strawberry in a sweet/tart sauce, stealing the show at dinnertime. Read the recipe here.

Tags: easy, chicken, recipe

Inspired by our Main Dish: News of the day story about purple carrots, we searched for a yummy and teen-tested recipe featuring the famous tap root. Melissa McClellan provides her take on an old favorite, carrot soup. This version is easy, layered with flavors and provides a punch of protein, in addition to all that good stuff in the carrots. Feel free to use any color carrot, and to serve the dish cold or hot. Read the recipes.

Tags: quick, easy, veggie, vegetarian

Inspired by our Main Dish: News of the Day profile of Best Teen Chef Sammy Jo Claussen, we thought we'd feature Sammy Jo's recipes in the oven today. In particular, her Pan Fried Catfish with Ginger Sweet Potato Cakes, Maque Choux Relish and Sauteed Green Beans left our mouths watering. And the whole thing can be on the table from start to finish in half an hour. Now THAT's a winning recipe! Check it out from The Art Institutes, which sponsored the competition. Read the recipes.

Tags: quick, easy, student chefs, fish, contests

Inspired by our Main Dish: News of the day story about banishing beef burgers from the cafeteria, we thought we'd offer up this salmon burger recipe that's fun and full of flavor. We'd make four burgers with it instead of six and serve it with a salad (arugula perhaps?) and some nice baked sweet potato fries, Check it out at AllRecipes. Read the whole recipe.

Tags: vegetarian, fish

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Got the urge for a sizzling Mexican dish that's so simple, quick and yummy you'll wonder why you never made it before? Check out these Easy Chicken Fajitas. Feel free to skip the cornstarch or to add some chopped cilantro into the hot stuff when it's done cooking. And if chicken doesn't grab you, skirt steak works beautifully too. Check it out at Food and Wine. Read the whole recipe.

Tags: quick, easy, chicken