Traditional red velvet cake calls for tons of red food coloring dye. My version uses beets to color this cheesecake naturally while adding extra nutrition

Buttermilk is one of my favorite things to use in the kitchen. It has a strong, cheesy taste if you drink it from the carton, but turns magically into a rich lemony cool treat when frozen.

The tang of bitters is just the trick to get your mouth watering before dinner. I serve this to guests when I pull out the martini glasses and turn on the jazz!

This low-fat version of hot cocoa has a Mexican twist! I add lots of spices and a hint of chili pepper to give it that extra warm flavor.

I created this recipe for my friend Lorna Sass, award-winning cookbook author and serious jazz enthusiast. Since she is such of fan of cardamom, I wanted to offer her a special treat when I invited her over for dinner one night. In this recipe, the cardamom is mellowed by the addition of the bittersweet chocolate chips.

The first time I had this sunny Brazilian drink, it was in the dead of winter vacationing in North Germany! Germans adore its slightly sweet and absolutely refreshing flavor, the perfect remembrance of their summer holidays abroad.

I’m a big cake fan, though I only indulge on special occasions! Serve this low-fat, protein-packed cake with Spiced Hot Cocoa in the winter or chilled mint ice tea in the spring! Looking for a light treat for mother’s day? Mom will grin when you tell her that this delicious cake is low-fat!

By the time August rolled around, Granny always had plenty of shiny, dark green zucchini in her garden, even after giving basketfuls away to neighbors and to her local church. A hunk of fresh zucchini bread resting on our counter next to Granny’s coffee pot that hooted like an owl as it brewed didn’t last long when neighbors came to call.

Powered sugar coat these cookies baked with walnuts. Instead of white flour, I use whole grain flour, for a healthier twist. If you happen to have peanuts in the kitchen, they work just as well in place of walnuts.

Frozen cherries are a great fruit to keep on hand for snacks and quick desserts! Ideal for smoothies, cherries are naturally sweet, the frozen whole black cherries are fairly inexpensive, and store for months in your freezer. If you use fresh cherries, chill before serving.