Making my own ricotta cheese from scratch was one of the most magical cooking experiences of my life. I consider myself a (relatively) adventurous at-home cook, but the idea of making my own cheese scared me right out of the cheesecloth section of my grocery store.

One Recipe Clubber lamented that she is terribly sick of the same old soups that have gotten her through this winter. We wanted to help a friend out by suggesting this super quick, nourishing soup from James Peterson’s Kitchen Education: Soups & Broths (Ten Speed Press, April 2012), an eBook exclusive featuring 40 recipes from Peterson’s tome Cooking. This Potato Leek Soup will take just as much time as opening a can!

Who can turn down a piping hot plate of Eggplant Parmesan on a cold night? Martha Stewart Living Magazine make over this delicious Italian favorite in the healthiest way possible. Skim milk, less cheese and a few other healthy options make this dish much healthier (only 229 calories per serving), without losing any of the flavor. It’s comfort food at its best!

I love what New Yorkers (and I’m sure many others) refer to as “street meat.” “Street meat” refers to the most tender and juicy pieces of spiced hicken or lamb over fragrant rice, topped with crispy lettuce, tomato and white sauce.

Everyone can be in on the sweetness of Valentine’s Day–even those with food allergies–with this Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake from Denise Jardine’s The Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Kitchen. Trust us when we say that everyone will want a piece!