Simplicity and intense flavor characterize this wonderful recipe. Featuring whole-grain pasta combined with sun-dried tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts, it's an unexpected and welcome change from the usual spaghetti with red sauce.

With autumn in the air and back to school thoughts on the minds of many families, Apricot Pecan Cereal Bars make a perfect addition to lunchboxes and briefcases alike.

The spectacular coastline of Italy is home to many of the country's most luxurious seaside resorts. It also lays claim to some disarmingly desolate stretches of coast where lush forests of lemon trees, herbs, pines and almonds create fragrant breezes. It is here that pesto was born - a classic combination of basil, nuts, olive oil and garlic.

Looking at how often Americans use fresh peppers, you also see how our food tastes have evolved over the past 25 to 30 years. The increased popularity of this vegetable (botanically, a fruit), in its many varieties, shows how strong culinary influences from immigrant populations, our own travels, and the work of influential food writers have spread to the mainstream and influenced what supermarkets carry.

Apples are ready to take over from the fruits of summer. And they will be welcome. Includes recipe for Apple and Pork Stir-fry with Ginger.

In many cuisines, lamb is a traditional way to welcome spring. Middle Eastern cooking in particular is partial to lamb in many forms. It is a common ingredient in the rice pilafs that originated in that part of the world more than 700 years ago.