Skip to content

Type what you have

Cook with

sea salt ×
Instant Pot® Coconut Rice

Instant Pot® Coconut Rice

4.0

Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
90 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Rinse rice under cold tap water until water runs clear. Soak rice in a bowl of water for 1 hour.
  2. 2 Combine coconut milk, chicken stock, sugar, and salt in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®).
  3. 3 Drain rice and stir into the pressure cooker. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  4. 4 Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 10 minutes. Unlock lid and open carefully; fluff rice with a fork.

By michele pruett

Tasty Roasted Beets

Tasty Roasted Beets

4.6

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Gather all ingredients.
  2. 2 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. 3 Toss together beets, olive oil, and thyme in a large bowl until beets are well coated.
  4. 4 Spread evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt.
  5. 5 Roast in the preheated oven until beets are tender, 10 to 20 minutes. A fork inserted into the center of a beet cube should come out easily.

By cookingtwist

McDonald's Fries

McDonald's Fries

3.8

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
75 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place potatoes in a bowl and cover with water; let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  2. 2 Place potatoes in a bowl and cover with boiling water; add sugar and corn syrup and mix well. Place bowl in the refrigerator and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  3. 3 Spread potatoes out in a baking dish, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and freeze for 30 minutes.
  4. 4 Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  5. 5 Working in batches, fry potatoes in hot oil for 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to dry and let cool for 15 minutes.
  6. 6 Working in batches again, fry potatoes in hot oil until browned and crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Season fries with sea salt.

By Kenneth Smith

Baked Strawberries

Baked Strawberries

Prep
5 min
Cook
30 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2 Quarter large strawberries and halve small ones; place on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with balsamic vinegar, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to coat; spread into a single layer.
  3. 3 Bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 20 minutes. Stir well; spread into a single layer. Continue baking until juices start to thicken, about 10 minutes more.

By LauraF

Roasted Golden Beets with Basil

Roasted Golden Beets with Basil

3.0

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. 2 Set out a large sheet of aluminum foil and set peeled, cubed beets on top. Fold up the edges to guild a aluminum foil bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3 Roast in the preheated oven until beets are soft, about 30 minutes.

By Tara Dunn

Cinnamon Sugar Snap Peas

Cinnamon Sugar Snap Peas

3.7

Prep
5 min
Cook
4 min
Total
9 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  2. 2 Toss sugar snap peas with olive oil in a bowl and in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle more olive oil on top; season with salt and pepper. Combine cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl; sprinkle onto sugar snap peas.
  3. 3 Cook in the preheated oven until sugar snap peas are lightly browned and sugar has caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes.

By eandjanda

Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms

Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms

4.8

Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Trim stem ends from asparagus, then cut spears into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. 2 Heat refined coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cremini mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in asparagus; cook until bright green and tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking. Season with flaky salt and black pepper.

By VirginiaWillis

Parsnip and Carrot Purée

Parsnip and Carrot Purée

4.6

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place parsnips and carrots in a large pot; add enough salted water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; return vegetables to the pot. Reduce heat to low; stir in 3 tablespoons butter and chives.
  2. 2 Purée vegetables using an immersion blender until nearly smooth; add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and continue to purée until completely smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

By Always Cooking Up Something

Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon

Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon

4.0

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. 2 Whisk maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and salt together in a large bowl. Cut peeled carrots in half lengthwise and diagonally slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Add carrots to maple syrup mixture and stir until carrots are well coated, reserving any leftover maple mixture for later. Spread out carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. 3 Roast carrots for 10 minutes. Turn carrots and continue to roast until done, 10 to 15 more minutes. Depending on the size of your carrots they might even take longer.
  4. 4 Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Allow to cool slightly and coarsely crumble.
  5. 5 Once carrots are tender, transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with bacon and pecans. Drizzle with any leftover maple mixture and toss until well combined. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

By lutzflcat

Roasted Delicata Squash Rings

Roasted Delicata Squash Rings

4.8

Prep
5 min
Cook
40 min
Total
45 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2 Trim both ends from squash. Slice crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick rings, keeping seeds as intact as possible. Arrange rings (with seeds) in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
  3. 3 Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Flip rings; continue baking until tender and browned, about 20 minutes more. Sprinkle with flaky salt and garnish with sage leaves.

By VirginiaWillis

Grilled Corn "Tabbouleh"

Grilled Corn "Tabbouleh"

5.0

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat. Lightly oil grate.
  2. 2 Add ears of corn to pan and grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides and tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. 3 Transfer corn to a cutting board. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes. Cut kernels from cobs. Discard cobs or reserve for another use. Coarsely chop 1/4 cup parsley leaves and transfer to a large bowl. Add remaining 1/2 cup parsley leaves, the corn, mint, jalapeño, garlic, oil, Aleppo pepper, coriander, lemon zest, and lemon juice to bowl. Stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve salad immediately or chill, covered, overnight.

By VirginiaWillis

Instant Pot Garlic-Roasted Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic-Roasted Potatoes

3.7

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Sauté function. Heat olive oil in the pot. Cook and stir potatoes in hot oil until lightly golden, 5 to 8 minutes.
  2. 2 Sprinkle garlic powder, sea salt, thyme, rosemary, and pepper over potatoes. Pour in vegetable broth. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set the timer for 7 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  3. 3 Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

By Fioa

Butternut Squash Bake

Butternut Squash Bake

4.5

Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Total
55 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. 2 Toss squash, blue cheese, ½ cup bread crumbs, onion, olive oil, and thyme together in a bowl; season with sea salt and black pepper. Transfer squash mixture to a large baking dish; sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup bread crumbs.
  3. 3 Bake in the preheated oven until top is lightly browned, 35 to 40 minutes.

By Too Hot Tamale

Red Chard and Caramelized Onions

Red Chard and Caramelized Onions

4.4

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 In a cast iron skillet, cook onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until they begin to brown. Stir in brown sugar, and continue cooking for a few minutes.
  2. 2 When onions are brown and tender, stir in chard and olives. Cook until chard is slightly wilted. Stir in capers and salt, and continue cooking until chard is completely wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with black pepper and squeeze lemon over the top.

By Syd

Kimchi

Kimchi

4.5

Prep
60 min
Cook
Total
6180 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Cut cabbages in half lengthwise and trim the ends. Rinse and cut into pieces about 2 inch square. Place cabbage into large resealable bags; sprinkle salt evenly over leaves to coat. Use your hands to rub salt into cabbage. Seal the bags and leave at room temperature for 6 hours.
  2. 2 Rinse cabbage leaves under cold water, at least 2 to 3 times, to remove most of the salt; drain and squeeze out any excess liquid.
  3. 3 Place rinsed cabbage in a large container with a tight fitting lid. Stir in fish sauce, green onions, white onion, garlic, sugar, and ginger. Sprinkle Korean chile powder over mixture.; wear plastic gloves to protect your hands and rub chile powder into cabbage leaves until evenly coated.
  4. 4 Seal the container and set in a cool dry place. Leave undisturbed for 4 days. Refrigerate before serving, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month (if it lasts that long!).

By GochisosamaDeshita

Eggs au Gratin with Vegetables

Eggs au Gratin with Vegetables

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. 2 Crush the fennel seed in a mortar and mix with a little sea salt.
  3. 3 Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and green onions and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chile pepper and garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season the mixture with fennel seed-salt mixture and pepper.
  4. 4 Divide the vegetables among 4 small oven-proof dishes. Place avocado pieces on top. Roughly crush feta with a fork, and spread it on top as well. Crack 2 eggs into each dish.
  5. 5 Bake in the preheated oven until eggs are set, about 15 minutes.

By chefdavidgeisser

Herbed Greek Roasted Potatoes with Feta Cheese

Herbed Greek Roasted Potatoes with Feta Cheese

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
80 min
Total
100 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly oil a large baking dish.
  2. 2 Stir together potatoes, water, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until potatoes are evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  3. 3 Roast in the preheated oven until potatoes begin to brown, about 40 minutes. Season potatoes with oregano and mint. If mixture appears dry, pour another 1/2 cup water into the dish. Return to the oven and bake until potatoes are very tender, about 40 minutes more. Top with feta cheese to serve.

By Cat Lady Cyndi

Mexican Drunken Beans

Mexican Drunken Beans

4.9

Prep
20 min
Cook
120 min
Total
620 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place mayocoba beans in a large bowl with enough cool water to cover by several inches; soak 8 hours to overnight.
  2. 2 Drain beans; rinse thoroughly. Transfer beans to a large stockpot; add enough water to cover beans by several inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer until beans are soft in centers, about 90 minutes.
  3. 3 Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and serrano; simmer until tomatoes slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue cooking until liquid begins to thicken, about 10 minutes more. Remove from heat; set aside.
  4. 4 Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until very crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain using a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in skillet.
  5. 5 Add ham to the same skillet; cook in drippings until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate with bacon to drain using a slotted spoon.
  6. 6 Stir tomato mixture, bacon, ham, beer, jalapeños, cilantro, and bouillon granules into cooked beans; season with sea salt. Bring mixture to a simmer; cook until beans are completely softened, about 30 minutes.

By gem

Red Quinoa and Tuscan Kale

Red Quinoa and Tuscan Kale

4.5

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Bring water to a boil in a saucepan; add quinoa and red bell pepper. Return water to a boil, place cover on the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes; add kale and continue cooking until quinoa is tender, about 5 minutes more.
  2. 2 Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic in hot oil until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes; transfer to a large bowl. Stir feta cheese, almonds, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil with the onion mixture; add quinoa mixture and stir. Season mixture with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

By Selayma

Oi Sobagi (Korean Cucumber Kimchi)

Oi Sobagi (Korean Cucumber Kimchi)

Prep
25 min
Cook
5 min
Total
1530 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place cucumbers onto one end, slice in half down the length to create and x-shape, leaving the last 1/4-inch uncut; place into a bowl. Combine 8 cups water and sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Pour brine mixture onto the cucumbers; brine until flavors combine, about 1 hour.
  2. 2 Combine red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup water, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and fermented shrimp in a bowl; mix until sauce is thoroughly combined.
  3. 3 Rinse cucumbers in cold water; place in a colander to drain. Sit until semi-dry, about 10 minutes.
  4. 4 Lather cucumbers with sauce, inside and out, making sure to stuff the x-shaped cut as well. Place cucumbers, chives, radish, and sesame seeds in an air-tight container. Let sit at room temperature until flavors combine, 1 to 2 days; refrigerate until ready to serve.

By mykoreaneats

Authentic Taralli

Authentic Taralli

4.8

Prep
40 min
Cook
55 min
Total
155 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, oil, and wine in a stand mixer. Mix ingredients using the paddle attachment until a ball forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead dough for 10 minutes.
  2. 2 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat and add the remaining salt. Spread a large, clean cloth out on a counter or table.
  3. 3 Pinch off a walnut-sized piece of dough once kneading has finished. Roll dough piece into a snake about 2 1/2 inches long. Form a tear drop shape, lightly pressing the two ends together to seal them into a ring. Repeat with remaining dough.
  4. 4 Turn down the boiling water to a low boil. Drop taralli into the water a few at a time. Do not stir; they will sink at first, then begin to float. Remove floating taralli with a slotted spoon. Place them on the clean cloth and continue until all the taralli have boiled and are drained on the cloth. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. 5 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  6. 6 Bake in the preheated oven until taralli are golden and firm on the outside, but still soft on the inside, about 40 minutes. Cool completely and rest for at least 1 hour before serving. Wrap with a clean cloth or place in a paper bag; store at room temperature for up to 1 week.

By Buckwheat Queen

Stacked Tomato and Burrata Salad

Stacked Tomato and Burrata Salad

4.9

Prep
15 min
Cook
Total
15 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place a tomato slice onto a plate and season with sea salt and black pepper. Spread Burrata cheese over tomato slice, top with torn basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil. Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients, finishing with a tomato slice.

By John Mitzewich

Sourdough Focaccia alla Genovese

Sourdough Focaccia alla Genovese

5.0

Prep
25 min
Cook
20 min
Total
345 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Mix 1/2 cup bread flour, 1/4 cup water, and sourdough discard together with a wooden spoon. Add a little flour to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add starter mixture and allow to rise in a warm area, without direct sunlight, until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  2. 2 Attach dough hook and begin to mix the starter. Add remaining flour, 3 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix in enough of the remaining water until dough pulls from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball; you may not need the full 3/4 cup. Knead dough in the mixer for 5 minutes.
  3. 3 Transfer dough to a work surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes. Score and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a draft-free place until doubled in volume, at least 2 hours, and up to overnight.
  4. 4 Lightly oil a shallow 12x16-inch baking pan. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Spread into the pan using your hands. Whisk 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon water together. Sprinkle a little bit over the focaccia. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in height.
  5. 5 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  6. 6 Push into the focaccia with your fingertips, leaving indentations about 1 1/2 inches apart. Evenly distribute olives and cherry tomatoes on top, pushing them into the dough. Sprinkle rosemary leaves and flaked salt on top. Sprinkle a little more of the oil-water mixture on top.
  7. 7 Bake in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle olive oil on top before serving.

By Buckwheat Queen

Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan Porterhouse)

Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan Porterhouse)

4.6

Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
85 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Press chopped rosemary onto both sides of porterhouse steak; set onto a plate and allow to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
  2. 2 Start an outdoor grill using hardwood charcoal, such as hickory. When coals are white and glowing, arrange for high heat.
  3. 3 Gently brush or rub olive oil onto steak, then season to taste with sea salt and pepper.
  4. 4 Place steak onto grill, and cook until a dark, golden brown (not burnt) crust forms, 5 to 10 minutes depending on thickness of meat. Turn over, and continue cooking until golden on the other side, 5 to 10 minutes more. When finished, place steak onto a platter, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
  5. 5 To serve, remove the two pieces of meat from the bone, and replace the bone onto the serving platter. Trim any unwanted fat from the round (tenderloin) steak, slice into 6 equal pieces at an angle to the grain, and fan out on one side of the bone. Slice the rectangular (loin) steak into 1/4-inch slices at an angle to the grain. Fan out on the other side of the bone. Finish by garnishing the platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional sea salt.

By eat

Olive Oil-Poached Tuna

Olive Oil-Poached Tuna

4.5

Prep
Cook
10 min
Total
1520 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Let tuna rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. 2 Combine garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a heavy skillet. Pour olive oil into the skillet to reach a depth of 1 inch. Heat oil over medium heat until garlic and thyme begin to sizzle, 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. 3 Place tuna steaks gently in hot oil and reduce heat to low; cook, spooning oil over the top of tuna steaks constantly until white and hot, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer tuna steaks into a baking dish; pour hot oil and herbs on top. Cool tuna and oil to room temperature.
  4. 4 Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate tuna steaks for 24 hours; remove from oil and sprinkle sea salt on top.

By John Mitzewich

Baked Caprese Crostini

Baked Caprese Crostini

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  2. 2 Cut baguette into 30 slices; brush slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil on both sides. Arrange on a baking sheet; sprinkle with salt.
  3. 3 Toast in the preheated oven until light golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.
  4. 4 Meanwhile, cut each tomato into 6 slices.
  5. 5 Flip bread slices; top each with 1 slice each tomato and mozzarella. Sprinkle with salt.
  6. 6 Bake in the preheated oven until tomato is warmed through and mozzarella is melted, about 5 minutes.
  7. 7 Transfer crostini to a serving platter; sprinkle with basil. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.

By Amanda

Beet Carpaccio with Mint Vinaigrette

Beet Carpaccio with Mint Vinaigrette

Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Total
55 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Fill a pot with 3 inches of water, insert a steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and place beets inside the steamer basket. Cover pot. Cook until beets are easily pierced with a knife, checking water level periodically, 35 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat and cool, about 30 minutes.
  2. 2 Peel the beets; if you are using red and golden beets, peel the golden ones first so you don't end up turning them pink. Remove any remaining root stems. Thinly slice beets and arrange on a serving platter. I use a round plate and start in the center, alternating red and golden beet slices. Dot the top with goat cheese – you want to be able to see the beets but have enough cheese because it pairs so well with the beet. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
  3. 3 Combine rice vinegar, olive oil, mint, and sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle over beets.

By bonnieblaze

Peach Burrata Salad

Peach Burrata Salad

4.9

Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
15 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Gently tear open the burrata cheese to expose the soft, creamy core and place in the center of a plate. Arrange peach slices in and around the cheese. Sprinkle basil leaves over cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. 2 Bring raspberry balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until vinegar reduces to a thick syrup, about 5 minutes. Spoon balsamic syrup over peaches and cheese; season with sea salt and black pepper.

By foodelicious

Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Peaches with Burrata and Basil

Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Peaches with Burrata and Basil

4.9

Prep
15 min
Cook
7 min
Total
22 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat an outdoor grill at medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  2. 2 Cut peaches in half and remove peach stones. Cut each half in half again.
  3. 3 Wrap prosciutto around each peach section; secure with small bamboo skewers.
  4. 4 Grill peaches, turning often, until prosciutto gets a little crisp around the edges and peaches begin to caramelize, about 6 minutes.
  5. 5 To serve, spoon burrata onto serving plates. Remove peaches from skewers; place several grilled peaches around cheese. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper; garnish with basil.

By John Mitzewich