This week we tackled all things dinner: from simple yet delicious chicken thighs to the over-the-top yet glorious superfood baked potato. So whether you’re trying to switch up your weeknight meal routine, or are looking for that perfect dish for your weekend dinner party, you can’t go wrong with these recipes. If you’re looking for something a little lighter for spring try the baked red lentil falafel salad or the quick coconut chicken soup. If you you’re looking for hearty and cozy, the red kidney bean curry with rice is calling your name. Wash everything down with a classic Manhattan from our new budget bar series.

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Lemony Pesto Pasta with Edamame & Almonds

Well guess what? It’s spring! The days are longer, the farmers market is about to open, and it’s time for asparagus. So what’s cooking? Does it feel like spring, or are you still enjoying your winter comfort foods? Do tell us what you’re cooking — we’re always so inspired by your weekend plans!

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If you’ve been cooking for a long time, you’ve probably left the burner on at one time or another. (I did it once while drying my cast iron skillets.) It’s no laughing matter: a forgotten burner can lead to scorched pans, hands, even a stove fire. That’s why we’re curious about a new product we recently heard about that basically alerts you if you’ve left your burner on.

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Day 15: Friday, March 21
Today’s Assignment: Make dinner!
Weekend Assignment: Plan all of your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for next week
The Cooking Cure: See all assignments so far here

We’re heading into the home stretch of our Cooking Cure, and this weekend is a big one! The goal this weekend is to plan, and to prep, for all your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners next week. That’s 21 meals, including the weekend. Feeling pumped? Nervous? Don’t be — we’ve been building up to this since the start of the Cure. You’ve totally got this.

But for today, how about a reward? Dinner! Make yourself a fabulous dinner tonight and give yourself a pat on the back for everything you’ve done to get here.

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Ten reads that made us think, made us hungry, or made us laugh this week. Good weekend reading, all of them!

• Yet another reason to love your gut bacteria: they may be making chocolate good for you. — Anjali
• An illustrated field trip to the Barilla factory, the largest pasta maker in the world. – Cambria
• It’s finally — perhaps inevitably — happened: worms have adapted to eat the Bt corn bioegineered to kill it. – Emma
• Is it really the dark age of dessert? Oh I hope not. – Ariel
• So looking forward to this new food magazine all about Chinese food. — Faith

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My husband (right), enjoying his time at the farmers market.

Spring is officially here, which means cooks across the country are looking forward to the opening of their local farmers market. What could be better than strolling through stands brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, chatting with the farmer who grew the chard you’re about to buy, your happy partner by your side? Right?

Um, yeah. About that. Now is also the perfect time to take a moment to ask yourself this question: Does my partner actually like going to the farmers market as much as I do? Because there’s a good chance the answer is a resounding NO.

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The vibrant and hustling streets of Tel Aviv are flooded with falafel stands. They usually open up shop around noon for the on-the-go lunch crowd and stay open late, catering to the energetic night owls looking for cheap grub. My father was born and raised in Tel Aviv and remembers going to the neighborhood cart and ordering the only thing they had: basic fried chickpea fritters, served in a white flour pita and topped with tahini, and maybe some chopped salad — if you were lucky.

Today’s falafel options are endless. Storefronts offer organic varieties, whole wheat pita options, different flavors, colors, and extensive all-you-can-eat salad bars. You name it, they’ve got it. This version with spiced red lentils and fresh herbs makes a fantastic weeknight meal.

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