Honestly, I can't think of an easier side dish than this Crockpot Rice. Like all Crockpot recipes, all you do is dump the ingredients in, and come back several hours later to enjoy it. But I also like the fact that the Crockpot makes darned good rice. Light and fluffy, Crockpot rice is perfect for eating right away or cooling and using later to make Fried Rice.

Crockpot Rice image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

So we got our first share from our CSA last week, and we had the most beautiful plump red radishes.

Now I like radishes in slaws and salads, as a garnish and even creamed. But I wanted to try something different. So I relied on one of my favorite tricks for orphan ingredients (you know, those leftovers in your vegetable crisper or at the back of the fridge that aren't enough to make a whole dish out of, but that you want to use up?). I made Radish Mashed Potatoes.

The radishes lent a peppery bite that contrasted well with the creaminess of the potatoes. It was really quite interesting. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. And be sure to visit my forum to share your ideas about what you like to do with orphan ingredients, too.

Radish Mashed Potatoes image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

Why go out for dinner on Mother's Day when you can cook a delicious and easy meal at home? Try my tasty Vegetable Lasagna. Oven-ready lasagna noodles make this lasagna a snap to put together, and it's a real crowd-pleaser.

Serve it with Homemade Garlic Bread and Caesar Salad for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Vegetable Lasagna image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

Need a terrific dessert to bring to Mother's Day brunch or dinner? Try this amazing Orange Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake.

Moist and tender, it has a chocolate chip streusel filling that pairs perfectly with the hint of orange flavoring in the cake. Even better: It's super easy to make, because it starts with a cake mix!

Coffee Cake image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

Planning to surprise mom with breakfast or brunch in bed? With this easy Mothers Day Brunch Menu, kids can do most of the work all by themselves.

Start off with refreshing Strawberry Smoothies. Icy and sweet, like a strawberry milkshake, these smoothies are loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Next, try my favorite Banana Bread. Moist and sweet, it's studded with chocolate chips and nuts. Yum!

Hash Brown Egg Casserole makes a yummy main course, and it's a cinch to prepare. Or try my wholesome Steel Cut Oatmeal. Just dump everything in the Crockpot the night before.

Finally, end the meal on a sweet note with Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Make mom this brunch on Sunday, and I guarantee she'll be forever grateful!

Strawberry Smoothies image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

So today was sweets day for Teacher Appreciation Week at my kids' school. Since my oven had been out of commission for the past three weeks (long story, wrong parts kept getting ordered, I wasn't happy), I feared I wouldn't be able to contribute anything.

But just at the last minute, the oven guy came, and I was able to make my yummy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

This soft chocolate cookie looks great on a buffet table. The dough takes only minutes to prepare, but it does need to be refrigerated for an hour or two before rolling it in powdered sugar, and baking. The crinkle look comes as the cookies are baked.

Try them today, and let me know what you think!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

Planning to make mom breakfast in bed for Mother's Day? Then you'll need my fool-proof Pancake Recipe. With this super easy recipe, you can make the lightest, fluffiest pancakes you've ever tasted.

The secret? Seltzer water. Shhh...don't tell!

Try these delicious pancake recipes too:

• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Sweet Potato Pancakes
• Blueberry Pancakes

Pancakes image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

I made this Mexican Chicken Salad yesterday for the Teacher Appreciation luncheon at my kids' school.

With rotisserie chicken breast, black beans, corn, tomatoes and tortilla chips, it has all the flavors and crunch of a great main dish salad. And the Peanutty Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is delish!

I like to serve this Mexican chicken salad with corn muffins.

If you don't have time to make the dressing, don't fret. Just use a bottled lime vinaigrette or peanut dressing instead. Either way, this salad makes a terrific lunch, dinner or potluck dish anytime!

Mexican Chicken Salad image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

Tilapia Fish has become extremely popular in recent years, because it has a sweet, mild taste. This tilapia recipe is a big hit with my kids.

First, I pan-fry the tilapia, then drizzle it with a light lemon butter sauce. The result is sweet and moist, while still being light.

Serve this tiliapia recipe with wedge salad for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Tilapia with Lemon Butter image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.

Planning a Cinco de Mayo party? Celebrate in style with these delicious Cinco de Mayo Recipes.

My sizzling Steak Fajitas are a great way to celebrate with kids, because they can assemble their own fajitas the way they like. And my Guacamole is just the ticket to cool your palate.

But the perfect ending for a Cinco de Mayo meal has to be Tres Leches Cake. Moist and delectable, this tres leches cake is especially fine, because it is incredibly easy to prepare. Sliced strawberries make an excellent topping. Enjoy!

Tres Leches Cake image by Stephanie Gallagher, ©2008, licensed to About.com Inc.