A Mexican Breakfast

By Andrew Hunter

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for growing children. In our house, it’s also the primary meal that Marilyn and I prepare together. Our morning routine starts with switching on the coffee pot, then slicing fruit, scrambling eggs and making toast. Breakfast is on the table by the time the first cup of coffee is poured.

We were just in Mexico and were pleased to discover a Mexican breakfast is just like ours, but the fruit was spectacular. It was a tropical combination of papaya, mango, pineapple, watermelon, bananas and grapes served family-style. Because it was locally picked and had never been refrigerated, the perfectly ripe fruit was literally dripping with sweet flavor

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A Meatless Meal your Kids will Love

By Andrew Hunter

Whether you eat meat or not, there’s one thing some of us agree on … that we could eat less of it. I first heard of Meatless Monday from my friend Tal Ronnen, who Oprah touts as the best vegan chef in the world. Tal, who used to eat meat, would like to revolutionize the way the world experiences meatless food with his book, The Conscious Cook. He’s not a proponent of eliminating meat from our diets, just eating less, less often.

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Sunday Supper

By Andrew Hunter

Dinner has always been important in my life —as a child, a chef, and especially now as a dad. It’s the remains of the day whether I’m home or at work. The difference is dinner at home is a time to relax and reflect, while at work it’s a time to hustle.

In a week of family dinners, Sunday Supper is queen. Yes growing up, we called it supper, for some reason, and got to eat in the dining room! My mom would usually make a roast with crispy lemon rosemary potatoes and green beans —her signature.

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Inside Special Fork

By Sandy Hu

Like our new look? Special Fork blog is evolving! The new masthead is a sneak peek at the look and feel of our soon-to-be-launched Special Fork mobile recipe website. If you follow me on Twitter @specialforksndy, you’ll see I’ve also changed my Twitter page to better match the Special Fork identity.

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Summer Nights

By Andrew Hunter

Firing up the grill is a thrill for Ben and Nick. They help kindle the coals and blow on the embers until they’re jelly red, then ashy white. Boys are genetically engineered, even at a young age, to be drawn to the smoky heat and sear of well-seasoned meat.

The indoor-outdoor meals of summer are a real joy at the Hunter house. It’s partly because they’re delicious, partly because they’re easy, and partly because the sun has mellowed just enough for a cool night on the patio. But most importantly, because preparing dinner is a family affair.

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