Like many Americans, the new year has brought me back to work. The holidays were joyous and restful, but they’re over now. After almost two full weeks of leisure days and succulent lunches, I’m behind a desk again. I’m sitting here reminiscing about those days I spent lounging in my robe, sipping hot chocolate with the TV parked on the FoodNetwork. But what I’m thinking of most is the food I ate. Without work to interupt my day, I have time to make extravagent breakfasts and lunches like this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia over a bed of creamy Spinach. I think tilapia is like the chicken of the sea. It’s fish, but it takes on any flavor you annoint it with.…

Mushrooms are one of my favorites, they are meaty and chewy, earthy and rich. I know they can be a turn off to many people. Most of my friends and loved ones cringe when they appear on dishes. I’ve had many discarded mushrooms pushed my way. Whenever they order something that contains mushrooms, I wait. I’m like the wet-nosed puppy under the table longing for scraps. I can’t bear to see them go to waste. I eat the orphaned fungi. My husband never fails to ask me “Why would you want to eat fungus?” My reply: “Whatever” One of my best friends doesn’t even respect them enough to call them…