Quick Fix

Linda Gassenheimer is the author of 14 cookbooks including her newest, "The Flavors of the Florida Keys" and "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes for People with Diabetes." Visit Linda on her web page at DinnerInMinutes.com, or email her at Linda@DinnerInMinutes.com.

Crusty scallops bed down on spinach: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Chopped peanuts and flaked coconut form a savory-sweet crust for fresh scallops. Sauté the scallops and serve them on a bed of sautéed spinach flavored with coconut milk. Rice microwaved for a minute, tossed with shredded carrots and al... Full story

Pear salsa spices up salmon: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Juicy pink salmon is topped with a sweet and spicy pear and red pepper salsa for a meal that takes only minutes to make. The salsa gives just the right sparkle to the rich salmon. Picking a ripe pear, or one that will ripen, can be tricky. Here are ... Full story

Lamb steaks are a festive dinner for two: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Lamb steaks drizzled with mint pesto sauce is a perfect dish for the Easter holiday weekend or any weeknight dinner. Slices of lamb are cut from the leg to make a steak 3/4- to 1-inch thick with a round bone in the center. They are sometimes displaye... Full story

Spice up steak with peppery sauce: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Neapolitan bistecca alla pizzaioli (Steak with Spicy Tomato Sauce) was originally used to disguise the poor quality of meat in this region of Italy. Today we can enjoy excellent meats with this sauce for a quick and delicious meal. Fennel has a larg... Full story

Quick Fix: Wine-spiked bath yields moist, flavorful salmon: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Poaching salmon in white wine produces a moist, flavorful result. Broccoli and carrots, poached with the salmon, add to the flavor and the resulting sauce. Sauteed grape tomatoes complete the dish. All that’s needed is a quick-cooking rice to ... Full story

Celebrate with speedy steamed fish: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; The Chinese New Year has begun — the year of the snake. To celebrate, cook up a one-pot dish, Hong Kong Steamed Fish flavored with ginger, soy sauce and scallions. Chinese food takes only minutes to cook, but the chopping and cutting to prepar... Full story

Soup is a comforting meal in a bowl: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Known as Pasta e Fagioli, this may be one of Italy's most famous soups. The combination of pasta and beans is heart-warming, and it can be served for two or a crowd. It's perfect to serve to friends. Leave the pot on the stove for everyone to help th... Full story

Tomato-based sauce lends Neapolitan zest: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Tomatoes, olives and garlic are staples for zesty Neapolitan cooking. This tomato-based sauce takes only a few minutes to make and goes well with fish, chicken or beef. I have used swordfish, but any meaty type of fish — such as tuna, halibut o... Full story

Tangy sauce complements lean pork: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; A tangy Dijon mustard sauce flavors juicy, tender pork for this French-style dinner. Red peppers and tomatoes tossed with pasta complete this quick meal. Dijon is a small town in the Burgundy area of France in the heart of some of the most famous vi... Full story

Microwave cooks fish in flash: By Linda Gassenheimer / McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Fish fillets topped with melted Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese can be made in minutes using a microwave. Penne pasta tossed with fresh basil is a simple side dish. The secret to this recipe is using best quality Parmesan. The recipe calls for cooking th... Full story