This baked rigatoni is a vegetarian meal, although light and healthy it is not.  But it sure hits the spot when you're craving a rich pasta dish. The recipe makes a large pan, perfect for potlucks and parties.

© Image 2012 Jennifer Meier

Comfort food doesn't have to be unhealthy. This vegetable quinoa casserole has comforting, home-cooked flavor and lots of veggies, too. What gives the casserole its comforting flavor? Cream of mushroom soup, of course!

Other quinoa casseroles you'll love:

Baked Quinoa with Feta and Olives
Baked Quinoa with Tomatoes and Cheddar

© Image 2012 Jennifer Meier

Why be restricted to herbs when you can make pesto out of almost any type of green? Radish leaf pesto has a mild and pleasantly pungent flavor - even my 2 year old loves it over pasta. In this photo, the pesto is tossed with radishes and white beans. The pesto is also great over roasted vegetables and potatoes.

© Image 2012 Jennifer Meier

Spicy arugula, sharp cheddar and toasted hazelnuts tossed in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinegar & maple dressing. Yum. Arugula Cheddar Salad would've been a perfect salad for autumn if I had thought of it 6 months ago! Oh, well. It's still great in the springtime, too.

© Image 2012 Jennifer Meier