Swiss chard is grown for its crinkly green leaves and silvery, celerylike stalks. The greens are prepared like spinach, the stalks like asparagus. The variety with dark green leaves and reddish stalks has a stronger flavor. Store unwashed chard, wrapped in a plastic bag, in the refrigerator fo up to 3 days.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, and the author of 10 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with a gourmet flair. Her 15-Minute Gourmet cookbook series, including Chicken, Vegetarian, and Noodles, was awarded "Best Cookbook Series in the World" at the 2000 World Cookbook Fair in Périgueux, France in November, 2000. Her Complete Soy Cookbook was named "Best Health Cookbook" at the same event in 1998. To buy Paulette Mitchell's cookbooks, click here.