Sara's Weeknight Meals

Sara has tips and tricks to make these intimate dinners for two both easy and romantic. Chicken Saltimbocca with Artichoke Sauce is so elegant yet so easy — thin strips of chicken, sage and prosciutto enveloped in a creamy Marsala-based artichoke sauce. Eggs Baked in Red Wine is a cozy, classic French recipe, perfect for dinner by the fireplace. And end the meal with a Warm Chocolate Cheesecake.

Famed Latin American chef and food historian Maricel Presilla shares her favorite dishes and cooking techniques. Zucchini Cuban-Style Cherry Tomato Sofrito with Almond Cacao Picada is vegetarian but satisfying. A thick and hearty Mayan Turkey Stew with the unique taste of tomatillos and tortillas on the side. Maricel’s signature Braised Pork with Greens features the best of Latin American cooking!

It’s Super Bowl time and time for simple foods you can eat with your hands. Chorizo Chicken Wings with a secret ingredient! Asian-Style Pork Sliders combine juicy pork with the cool crunch of fresh veggies. Beer Battered Shrimp is super crispy yet light and marries well with a zesty Asian dipping sauce. And a classic drink, Old Fashioned Egg Creams, straight from the deli and into your home.

Sara’s got meat and lots of it. Sara marries a burger with Korean barbecue for her special Korean Burgers. Learn how to grind your own meat, without special tools. Buttermilk-Fried Pork Chops that are super juicy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside. Sara’s Polenta Lasagna, with crispy polenta cakes in place of traditional noodles, it’s even easier and much quicker to make.

Sara’s old friend Ming Tsai shares his favorite one-pot meals with an Asian twist. His Lemongrass-Coconut Chicken Soup is a perfect showcase for a tutorial on cooking with lemongrass. Black Bean Scallops and Zucchini is cooked in a wok and delicious with Ming’s signature 50-50 rice. Ginger Orange Duck “Cassoulet” brings fresh Far Eastern flavors to a traditional French dish.

Flavorful, rich, satisfying vegetarian food? It seems impossible, but when you try these heart veggie entrées, you won’t even miss the meat. Sara’s Rustic Potato and Green Bean Pie couldn’t be more filling. There’s nothing bland about Spicy Mushroom Enchiladas, cooled off with a blanket of sour cream and avocado. We’re devoted to Mu Shoo Vegetables in Pancakes with crunchy cashews and creamy eggs.

Guiseppe Fanelli is the chef of one of Sara’s favorite Italian restaurants, Tre Dici, and today he shares home-style Italian recipes like Bruschetta al Tonno — a simple and delicious tuna bruschetta. His Agnello Scottadito with Heirloom Tomato Salad mixes tender lamb with the freshness of a homegrown tomato salad. And of course, there’s pasta. This has Pesto, String Beans and Potatoes.

Sunday meals are made with love and eaten with family and friends. First, Roast Chicken Stuffed with Zucchini and Cheese to keep it moist and flavorful. Deviled Bones sounds gothic, but it’s meaty, tender short ribs coated with a kick of mustard for heat. Odd Lots Mac and Cheese is a winner with the whole family. And Sara’s Creamsicle Dessert will bring back memories of the ice cream truck.

Seafood expert David Pasternack, from New York’s fish temple Esca, shows why he loves food with fins with three favorite recipes from his arsenal: Fettuccine with Rock Shrimp, Corn and Jalapeño; Grilled Mahi Mahi with Panella and Chickpeas and Salt-Baked Pesce per Due with Braised Greens. Cooking fish this way makes it easy and accessible.

Sara travels to a beautiful vineyard in Napa, California to cook farm fresh meals locally sourced with Bay Area chef Joey Altman. They whip up Grilled Salmon, Arugula & Grilled Corn Salad and Sweet Pea & Avocado Crostini. With Grilled Duck Breast, Honey-Roasted Carrots, Farro-Herb Salad and Cider Jus, the best of the farm is on the plate.

A thoughtful gift you make yourself speaks volumes, and food is the present everyone loves! Sara releases your creative spirit by teaching you how to make Homemade Marshmallows with a Hot Chocolate Mix. For the wine enthusiast, Homemade Cheese Crackers pair beautifully with some wine. Peppermint Bark looks very expensive but couldn’t be easier to make.

Hearty soups are meals in themselves, and Sara’s are both substantial and easy to make. There’s a cool Seafood Gazpacho, loaded with juicy shrimp and crab with a little kick of heat. Nothing warms the belly more than the New Orleans-inspired Red Beans and Rice Soup with smoky ham. And for some winter sunshine, Sunny Squash Soup, as yellow as the sun with a crispy fried zucchini garnish.