Smoky Vegetarian Beet Reuben

Here's an experimental recipe I just tried that worked great. It's basically a classic Reuben- toasted rye bread, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, but just when you start wondering where the corned beef is, you chew once more and realize it's been replaced by roasted beet slices seasoned with coriander and smoked salt. (Smoked salt is a little expensive and tricky to find, but very flavorful.)

Anyway, it's really, really good, and makes you want another one immediately. It's pretty easy aside from the pain of dealing with beets and a few ingredients you may not have laying around, so I highly recommend.

Artichokes + Wild Mushroom Chicken

It's artichoke season and I don't know if it's the same for the rest of the country, but they're 99¢ or less in CA (take advantage, Tev).

Almost 100% of the nation's artichokes come from California, mostly from in and around Castroville, CA where Marilyn Monroe was crowned the first Artichoke Queen before she was famous. They have a huge artichoke festival every year.

Here's an artichoke stuffed with bread crumbs, Parmesan, olives, and capers, alongside wild mushroom chicken in white wine sauce over cous cous pilaf, with an arugula, green apple, and pecan salad in lemon vinaigrette.