If you're searching for a hearty - but not heavy - and fabulously delicious Sunday night dinner, I have the perfect suggestion: Jacques Pepin's Instant Beef Stew. It's made with beef tenderloin (or tender lamb), so doesn't require a long braise. In fact, a relatively quick turn in the saute pan results in vegetables that remain fresh, colorful, and flavorful. (And if you want to make it even lighter, increase the ratio of vegetables to beef.) It's beautifully and simply seasoned and just works - if you give it a try let me know what you think. This is the type of recipe I most admire - clever, clean, doable, and of course, killingly SCRUMPTIOUS. Merci, Jacques, c'est bon. (If you, like I, are trying to um, pare things down a bit, I highly recommend - as I have before - Jacques Pepin's Fast Food My Way. Not only are the recipes tasty, simple to prepare, and of course fast, they're quite light with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. The path to a slim, healthy body is paved with whole foods, not processed ones, and Jacques' recipes make eating healthfully - and pleasurably - easy and delicious. Oui baby! Kiss, kiss!)

And Happy Birthday to Nathan's Grammy Barb!