Simple Cooking

There's a dish in China called "Happy Family," which consists of various ingredients. Growing up, my mother's version of "Happy Family" was stir-fried colorful, seasonal fresh vegetables. She would encourage my brothers and me to eat more of it so we would be in harmony. Fresh vegetables are quickly stir-fried to retain their snap and color for a vibrant presentation. Any leftovers can be served with warm pasta.

Shrimp absorbs the flavors of a marinade rapidly, making this quick entrée ideal for a busy weeknight. Steaming gently cooks the shrimp and reduces the likelihood of overcooking. Regular coconut milk offers the best flavor for this dish, as the taste of light coconut milk is too subtle. I often serve it over brown rice or whole wheat noodles.

Yogurt subs for heavy cream, so it's lowfat and only tastes splurgy.

They pack almost all your daily vitamin C.

Our mini-burgers have exotic spices and herbs to make sports day gourmet.

The addition of an anise-flavored liqueur turns this hot cocoa into the liquid version of chocolate-covered licorice.

The fresh herbs and scallion might seem strange, but they work. And the hot sauce? Makes anything better.

If you like Greek yogurt, you'll love labneh.

Garrett McCord, coauthor with Stephanie Stiavetti of Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese, created this recipe exclusively for Epicurious. A completely traditional take on the ultimate comfort food casserole, we think this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a flexible recipe that can easily be tinkered with to suit your family's mac 'n' cheese preferences. If you really like the crunchy topping, go ahead and add more—use an additional 1/2 cup of panko, an extra 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter, and a slightly larger handful of shredded cheese. Want more assertive cheesiness? Experiment with different Cheddars, including aged versions. And of course, feel free to add your favorite extras like raw or roasted broccoli or cauliflower, or crisp cooked bacon. For more on mac 'n' cheese, including tips from McCord and more mix-in ideas, see Classic Recipes: Macaroni and Cheese.

Sweet potato as juice? You bet. This pumpkin-colored tuber is not only a surprising—and easily sourced—ingredient with an appealing flavor, it also helps you get your glow on. The carotenoids in orange-colored vegetables like carrot and sweet potato have such beneficial effect on skin, they have a scientifically validated "attraction factor"—meaning that warm glow you naturally acquire makes others rate you as more attractive.

This juice is very interesting and possesses significant health benefits because of the combination of ginger and radish. Give it a try for a change of pace.

Orange and carrot add depth and color to red apple juice plus another gift: a good dose of vitamin C and beta-carotene.

The mint in this juice ties together the sweet pineapple and tart green apple so well that you won't even notice the spinach.

This is a green juice that doesn't taste green. The mango adds antioxidants and sweet flavor, while the nutrients in the kale and apples help detoxify the liver and fight free radicals.

With its creamy, delicate flavor and cleansing ginger, this juice is perfect for after an indulgent holiday or Christmas.

Rich in protein, the oats and nuts in this sweet, crunchy dessert will help keep blood sugar levels stable.

This recipe is a great way to start the day, especially if you are on a weight-loss program. It is low in calories, but the natural fruit sugars will keep your appetite in check. This drink is particularly rich in flavonoids. Make sure you leave as much of the albido (the white pithy part of the peel) as possible on the grapefruit, as this is rich in flavonoids.

These flavorsome burgers are ideal for relaxed family meals and offer a good hit of mood-lifting tryptophan.

This robust, vibrant-color juice is packed with big flavors and energy-boosting nutrients to get you going in the morning.