I think polenta is highly underrated - it is not hard to make (albeit a little time-consuming), and it's creamy, nourishing and satisfying... especially when you stir in a big handful of cheese and maybe even a pat of butter at the end! If you plan to make polenta often, it's a good idea to invest in a saucier pan, below. These pans have curved sides, almost like a bowl, which means that a spoon or a rounded spatula can easily scrape the cooking polenta from the sides of the bowl, ensuring that it doesn't stick or get lumpy or crusty. Sauciers are also great for making risotto, custards and any other recipe that requires frequent stirring.

My recipe for Parmesan Polenta With Sauteed Mushrooms is a hearty and satisfying meatless dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. You can also try polenta in the recipe for Grilled Tilapia With Smoked Paprika and Parmesan Polenta. And don't forget to form leftover polenta into Polenta Cakes; they are excellent sauteed in a little oil and served with a ragu or some sauteed vegetables.

I've been testing out an innovative line of cookware from 360 Cookware, which is designed with a tight-fitting lid that traps the steam of the cooking food inside, cooking it quickly and more efficiently, without the use of lots of fat and oil. My first test recipe was this Mahi Mahi with Cucumber-Dill Yogurt Sauce, but you don't need the special cookware to prepare it; any saute pan with a tight-fitting lid will do. This mahi mahi recipe is perfect for summer because of its cool, tangy sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh dill and cucumber. Try it tonight - and watch for my review of the 360 Cookware line, coming soon!

©Breville USA

At my mom's last week, I wanted to make up batches of Fizzy Minted Lemonade and Lime Rickeys and was pleased to discover that she still was in possession of the sturdy old Oster citrus juicer I remember from my youth. She got it when I was a kid at an estate sale, and she guesses it's probably from the 1950s or 1960s. Despite its age, the juicer performed beautifully, never straining under the pressure of my hand, and completely extracting every last bit of tangy liquid. It made me realize how important it is to have a decent citrus juicer, whether it's for whipping up a batch of lemon squares or a pitcher of margaritas or lemonade. While my mom's beloved Oster is no longer made, there are plenty of juicers to choose from at all prices, and I've rounded up five of the best citrus juicers currently on the market. I for one, covet the Breville Juicer, right. It seems sturdy enough that in a few decades, I might even catch my own daughter making lemonade with it.