Not only is an omelette quick and easy to make, it is a paragon of economy. Odds and ends (a.k.a. leftovers) rise to a new level when placed inside an omelette.Leftover, cooked vegetables paired with a little cheese and folded into eggs present a much more cheerful meal than a bowl of vegetables haphazardly reheated in the microwave!

BEST Grilled Cheese Panini! With nutty gruyere cheese, tart green Granny Smith apples, and sweet fig jam.Photography Credit:Elise BauerFall is Granny Smith season over at my parent’s house; their trees are so heavy with apples my father has to prop up the branches with long two by fours to keep them from breaking.

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts with a creamy mushroom sauce with vermouth, cream, and sage.Photography Credit:Sally VargasYou know what the best thing is about chicken breast cutlets?They cook up in about nothing flat. They’re great for midweek meals when you are just rushing to get something on the table.

Tarragon chicken salad with dried cranberries, celery, mayonnaise, and tarragon. Great for sandwiches!Photography Credit:Elise BauerInspiration for good food can be found anywhere, even Starbucks, where I had a delicious chicken salad sandwich recently.The key ingredients other than chicken?Sweetened dried cranberries and tarragon.

How to quickly, easily, and safely core and cut cauliflower!Photography Credit:Elise BauerAre you prepping cauliflower by cutting out the core first and then breaking the head into florets? (No shame in this, it’s how I did it for 40 years until my friend Chef Kathi Riley set me straight.)There’s an easier way.

Spicy deviled jam, made with ham, celery, green onions, and pickled jalapeños.Photography Credit:Elise BauerDo any of you follow Mad Men? I watch an occasional episode, more captivated by the outfits and decor than anything else. (Wait, I recognize that wall hanging! My mother used to wear dresses like that!