Eating

You can't really compost in a New York apartment. But there's a great alternative use for throw-away vegetable trimmings. Instead of a compost can, put them in the freezer. Then convert them to fragrant, flavorful vegetable stock. Compost Stock. Maybe you want to call it something else.

Scrambled eggs in between. The most beautiful and delicious scrambled egg dish in a long time. Lightly sautéed vegetables on top. The lightest, flakiest, buttery "pie crust flatbread" on the bottom.

A savory-sweet warm salad with rice and tuna for all seasons. Mango from far away in time and space. Summery cucumbers and cold-weather carrots. A refreshing and satisfying meal that comes together in 30 minutes.

Big, mouth-filling flavor. Not too tart or sweet. Amazingly light but luxurious and rich. Your first bite seems completely familiar and completely new. Part airy, moist cake. Part silky light pudding.

Serious, real-deal chili. Deep, broad and complex flavors. There's much more going on here than just heat. With or without carne, you just need great chile powder to make a great chili when National Chili Day meets a Way-Too-Chilly day.

The great, traditional Mexican breakfast. A huge amount of flavor. A great balance between the sweet corn, the tart and spicy salsa verde and the rich, mellow scrambled eggs. A wonderfully satisfying breakfast for less than $1.50.

The cast iron pan puts a thin, crunchy finish on a warm, soft, light, crumbly bread. 30 minutes start to finish. 10 minutes or less of actual preparation. 20 minutes in the oven turns your home into the best-smelling bakery in town. Great bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I love dark chocolate. I hate to waste food. So I was delighted to see what happens when you give an orange peel a quick dip in melted chocolate. A very adult candy. And each orangette weighs in at 5 calories and costs less than 5 cents. Happy Better Cheaper Valentine's Day.