"A lot of people cry when they chop onions, the trick is not to form an emotional bond." Jimmy Carr

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup that changes with the seasons—there’s no single “correct” version. Made with simple vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a comforting, nourishing dish that has been cooked in Italian homes for centuries using whatever was on hand.

This green Greek-style salad highlights ingredients that have been staples in Mediterranean kitchens since antiquity. Dill and feta were commonly paired in Greek home cooking long before tomatoes became widespread, making this fresh, herb-forward salad closer to the oldest forms of Greek salads.

This recipe can be varied: use other ground meats, finely chopped ham, or any other meat. I think it's especially good for using up leftovers from Thanksgiving. You can also grate zucchini or pumpkin, or both, along with the potatoes.

Everything tastes better when it's wrapped in a warm, fluffy hug!