Tina Danze

We created three flavor-packed, weeknight recipes that feature healthy ingredients, including some convenience products. Mediterranean White Bean and Tuna Salad turns canned pantry staples into a delicious, heart-healthy dinner, thanks to a zingy vinaigrette and fresh herbs. For a hearty Southwestern meal, make Loaded Microwaved Sweet Potatoes, seasoned with lime and then topped with canned ranch-style beans, barbecued meat from the supermarket and fresh pico de gallo.

There’s a misconception that Texas wine country is by definition The Hill Country. Sure, The Hill Country boasts more wineries and tasting rooms than any other Texas region. But award-winning wineries are all over the state — some in bucolic settings close to Dallas. As for vineyards, the Texas High Plains in the Panhandle accounts for 90% of the grapes used by wineries throughout the state.

If you’ve been to Vino (a Major Food Group restaurant in the Design District next to Carbone), you may have witnessed the tableside assembly of a gelato sundae for two. The server wheels a cart to the table and ceremoniously ladles Amarena cherries and syrup over mounds of house-made vanilla gelato. The crowning touch is a generous sprinkling of chopped, toasted almonds. It’s absolutely delicious, and at $30, it’s pricey for such a simple dessert.