Lori Borgman

Daffodils

Vintage containers always suit the look of daffodils. (Courtesy iBulb.org/MCT)

Granola

Granola rounds are soft and chewy due to quick-cooking oatmeal. (Sharon K. Ghag/Modesto Bee/MCT)

Stencils

Stenciling has become bolder and more of a statement. This Springtime in Paris Letter stencil is by Royal Design Studio. (Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)

Leather

Recycled leather from EcoDomo, embossed in a crocodile design, is used to cover a door. (EcoDomo/MCT)

Leather

Top stitching adds richness to a recycled leather wall created by EcoDomo. (EcoDomo/MCT)

Leather

The living room of this Costa Rican condominium has a recycled leather floor from EcoDomo. (EcoDomo/MCT)

Spinach Stracciatella Soup

Spinach stracciatella soup is a quick, dinner offering with minimal ingredients. (Ellise Pierce/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Chicken tinga

Chicken tinga is a spin on tacos that is quick and the whole family will enjoy. (Ellise Pierce/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Dried beans

The Chick Pea Stew is topped with lemon wedges and drained yogurt. (Juli Leonard/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT)

Egg rolls

Fanny Go's egg roll is served at her home in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

cauliflower recipes

Top chefs offer a few helpful tips on developing flavor in the sometimes disrespected vegetable, the cauliflower. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

pear recipes

Pears can be used in breads, chips, salsa, and pies. Here, pear bread with chunks of pears. (Debbie Noda/Modesto Bee/MCT)

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini can create a variety of tasty summertime dishes like Zucchini Fritters. (Glenn Koenig/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

CHICKEN SAUSAGE

Chicken sausage is joining the many varities already in the supermarket, and is a fast growing product. (Jarrad Henderson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

Corn recipes

One small jalapeno adds spice to this corn, shiitake and bacon salsa. (Joe Bonwich/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

Peter Goldmark: Wrestling the ‘what to do’ economy

Peter Goldmark, of Newsday, is a new MCT op-ed columnist. (MCT)

Scone simplicity: With few ingredients that are easily put together, forget the mixes and bakery kind

Scones are one of the basic pleasures in life.

Make-ahead breakfasts families can enjoy

A new way to try eggs is by baking them. (Joan Barnett Lee/Modesto Bee/MCT)

In winter, pick fruit from the freezer

A classic French dessert, cherry clafoutis, is easy to make with frozen cherries. (Michael Gross/Newsday/MCT)

All chocolate, all the time

Chocolate desserts make Valentine•s Day a little sweeter. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

For God and country

A wooden cross replaces the usual rifle in a memorial to Army Chaplain Cpt. Dale Goetz, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Boomer fashion

Irene Gavenas models fashion tips for the mature woman. Here, the trend is lace, black and white, Capri pants and statement jewelry. (Ross Hailey/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Boomer fashion

Cosmetic tips: Matte shadows, bright lipstick and classic colors on nails. (Ross Hailey/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Boomer fashion

Irene Gavenas models fashion tips for the mature woman. Here, the trend is neon colors, and mixing prints with patterns. (Ross Hailey/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)