Hi friends! How is everybody? We are still in winter mode here, but some recent bursts of warm weather and extra sunshine are lifting my spirits.

This week, I'm making one of my all-time favorite Roasted Eggplant Dips (with lots of lemon, garlic, and parsley). I pretty much lived off of this dip – plus warm, fluffy pita bread – when I moved to a Greek neighborhood in Astoria, Queens many years ago. I also love this Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chickpeas, and Oranges (especially delicious with Cara Cara oranges which are in season right now). Potato Leek Soup is a winter staple in our house - it's delicious and comforting, and always reminds me of France.

Finally, I'm throwing in two of my favorite comfort foods: Sausage Ragu with Gnocchi and my Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies. For the Ragu, I usually just buy store-bought gnocchi to save time, and if you're Gluten-Free, I highly recommend Cappello's brand – look in the frozen aisle of your grocery store. When you make the cookies, bake half of the dough right away, and roll the rest of the dough into balls and freeze for a future cookie craving :) You'll thank me later!