School's almost out but there's just time to squeeze in a quick history lesson. Salisbury Steak - a favorite American recipe for generations - has been popularly served in the United States since the Civil War. Named after army physician James Salisbury, who believed that vegetables caused heart disease, tumors, mental illness and tuberculosis, he recommended eating this delicious beef dish three times a day for maximum health. Despite the misleading name, Salisbury Stea

"Now you see them...now you don't." I can think of no better way to describe illusive, summer fruit. While dreary apples, oranges and pears hang around for months like boring dinner guests who show no inclination of going home, plump apricots, luscious cherries, and blushing, fresh figs are available for what feels like mere days. At least summer nectarines, watermelons and grapes have the good grace to stick around for awhile, and offer a host of culinary opportunities

Mushrooms are such obliging little vegetables. Eager to fit in, they happily take on any flavoring you like, and deliver both creaminess and a meaty bite, with virtually no calories. I throw a couple of little baskets into my shopping cart at the start of every week, knowing they're an instant ticket to a memorable meal, and I recommend you do the same. This silken Stovetop Mushroom Rice is one of my absolute favorite ways of making the most of my mushroom stash, and makes an

OK, I concede. 'Fat Free Chocolate Brownies' isn't an entirely accurate desciptor for this week's winning recipe, but 'No Added Fat Chocolate Brownies' didn't have the right ring to it. And that's exactly what these are. These better-for-you brownies contain NO butter, oil, or much maligned margarine. They are gluten free, have limited sugar and, if you substitute the eggs, they're suitable for vegans too. What's more, they're mixed up in just minutes in a single bowl and onl