Spinach Artichoke Dip - a hot appetizer for a cold day

I suspect even veggie-haters would enjoy this creamy spinach artichoke dip. Fresh garlic and crushed red pepper give it just a little zing without overpowering. Simple to make, it works well as a hot appetizer or party hors d'oeuvre.

"Seattle's Best" Mac 'N Cheese: the cheesiest, creamiest mac ever

This is my adaptation of the mac 'n cheese recipe from a cheese maker located in Seattle's Pike Place Market. It has been routinely voted "Seattle's Best Mac" for several years running. If it's not the creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting mac you've ever tried, send me your recipe... I've never found a mac better than this. This is first class American comfort food that your family will surely love. It's a standby in our kitchen, and one of my favorite things to eat after a hard day.

There are three keys to perfect mac 'n cheese. First and foremost, do not use pre-shredded cheeses, which contain anti-caking agents that damage the melting properties. Second, cook the roux long enough to prevent a raw flour taste. Third, slightly undercook the pasta before it goes in the oven; this prevents it from turning to mush.

You can add a little bit of bacon, pancetta, prosciutto, or other flavorful bit of meat to create an additional savory dimension to your mac. For a vegetarian alternative, try chopping up some lightly steamed broccoli or cauliflower and stirring it into the cheese sauce, making sure to fully coat it so it doesn't scorch in the oven. Or, make it straight without anything added, and indulge your taste buds in pure cheesy creaminess.

Kale Gratin: my twist on a French country classic

Gratin takes many forms, but most gratins are based on potatoes, bread crumbs, and cheese. I got a big bunch of leafy red kale and a bag of yellow potatoes in my Full Circle Farm box this week, so I decided to hybridize two different gratin recipes to create this delicious dish. This is a good example of fusion cooking -- locally-sourced ingredients prepared in classic French style. Nutrient-rich kale adds texture and vibrance to the potato base, while generous use of cheese and bacon keep this dish true to its country roots. This is comfort food to be sure, and a perfectly satisfying meal for a crisp Autumn day.