The combination of fresh and dried wild mushrooms is the magic that gives this sauce a beautiful depth of flavor that will bring on your happy food dance with the first fork full.

This dish has become a family favorite, particularly for my oldest daughter Madeleine and is a combination of inspiration from some classic French recipes and a few of my own tweaks.

A yummy lentil soup that welcomes roasted red peppers, toasted cumin and a hearty vegetable broth to the pot for a perfect winter, weeknight bit of comfort.

The dry and fresh mushrooms add a distinctive earthy, nutty umami flavor that is gorgeous from the first bite.

Your server brings a dish full of sunshine and Mediterranean flavors. Edith Piaf plays softly in the background. This is your little paradise.

Another fabulous (no cook) recipe for gathering outside a the end of the day to share fresh picks from the garden and a cool bottle of wine.

This is the perfect summer grill item that pairs beautifully with any number of white wines that mimic the herby, citrus vibes of the marinade. Make this the centerpiece of your summer table and surround with fresh salads and some good crusty bread.

This recipe came to me via my daughter Anna who makes homemade pizza probably once a week. It is not only super simple, but it produces the most fabulous crust.

I have included two of my favorite toppings recipes, Margherita and Prosciutto with Creme Fraiche and Caramelized Onions. But go crazy with your own fabulous creations.

Fresh mint and dill add a cooling summer vibe to this shrimp salad.

A homemade curry paste, fresh tomato, coconut cream and a zing of fresh lemon make this a a fabulous weeknight meal.

This recipe, unlike my earlier Currin’s Carbonara, is the pared down traditional Carbonara and is one of the most classic Italian pasta dishes

This quick and easy and warm hug of a dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and then leftovers for lunch the next day. Serve with basmati rice, garlic naan, and a scattering of cilantro.

The whole point of this dish is that you can make it anytime, with almost anything that you have hanging out in the dark recesses of your fridge or from what needs to be harvested from the garden.

The summer table for me is the perfect canvas for the marriage of garden, grill and a light bodied, red or white wine and of course, bubbles are always welcome. This recipe of a simple grilled chicken breast served with the classic French green sauce, is perfect for an al fresco evening under the stars.

While cooking was not a passion for my mother, she was actually quite good. This recipe was a favorite in her repertoire for one of our family outings or the occasional community potluck.