Did you know that beans don't have to come in a can? They don't, it's true. Dried beans are very easy to prepare at home. It's also much less expensive and much tastier to buy dried beans and prepare them than it is to buy them in a can.

Heart-healthy leafy greens are available in abundance at farmers markets and in CSA farm shares this year, but they can be challenging to prepare in ways that appeal to picky toddlers week after week. Here are some tips to help you incorporate them into meals in new ways.

In San Antonio, Tex-Mex chile sauces always start with with a ancho chile puree. But the best chile sauces always combine at least two types of chiles for a well-rounded flavor. This chile puree is a great base for chili-con-carne and that wonderfully rich enchilada sauce that you can make at home from scratch. Makes about 4 cups.

A special meal once a week or month is a great idea to build a strong family. Studies show that families that regularly eat together are more stable. Last week, I wrote about our family’s Sunday feast. This week, I want to show you how you can start your own family tradition, and how the kids can help.