SPAM®, a processed pork product from the Hormel Food Corporation in Austin, MN, doesn't get much respect from people who consider themselves foodies. I have given it short shrift, myself, but have had a change of heart. Perhaps you will, too, after trying this recipe.

Jacque's simple and tasty recipe doesn't have a name or use exact amounts, but it comes together quickly and will satisfy most appetites.

Dorsey Barger, of HausBar Farms, looks at what crops are ready for harvest at the farm or what's available at the Farmers' Market, and then lets inspiration rule in the kitchen. Such is her recipe for Beef Caldo.

Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage pie is a savory pie made of meat with a mashed potato crust. According to Wikipedia: The term cottage pie is known to have been in use in 1791,when the potato was being introduced as an edible crop affordable for the poor (cf. "cottage" meaning a modest dwelling for rural workers). ..The term "shepherd's pie" did not appear until 1877.

This variant of pierogi with a traditional cheese and potato filling comes from the kresy in the east of Poland. You can eat pierogi with a little melted butter drizzled on top and sour cream on the side, or some chopped grilled bacon.

During my visit with Lynne Rosetto Kasper about her most recent cookbook, The Splendid Table®'s How to Eat Weekends, which she wrote with her friend and producer Sally Swift, I asked what recipe in the book could I prepare that would really thrill my guests. And she told me about Chicken in Chinese Master Sauce.

Tamar Adler, cook and author of An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace doesn't really use recipes when she cooks. But that doesn't stop her from making great food -- like soup.

Kerbey Lane Cafe is an institution in Austin, Texas and is one of the restaurants participating in 2012 Eat Drink Local Week. And Chef Joel Welch was kind enough to share a couple of recipes with us that use local ingredients.

Roast chicken with crispy skin is one of the simplest, easiest things that can ever be made. You only really need three things: An oven, a whole organic chicken with skin, and a roasting pan that can go from oven to stovetop (for the gravy!).

A big bowl of hot chili on a frosty fall day or blustery winter evening is the perfect food. Made better with the addition of chocolate. True story.