Inspired by a Fine Cooking recipe, Merrill creates a new old standby.

Amanda bonds with button mushrooms.

Merrill's on a banana kick! This week, she shares a family favorite: banana bread that comes together in minutes and won't last much longer once it's baked.

With steak, Amanda keeps it short and sweet.

Merrill replicates her favorite version of this Southern comfort food.

Amanda finds a new technique for getting a silky mash.

Merrill gets a new piece of gear for Valentine's Day and tests it out.

Amanda ends her lunch series with a feisty salad from Eataly.

Merrill's African adventures culminate with this simple, fresh preparation for whole fish.

In the second part of Amanda's lunch series, she turns to a secret gem in her Brooklyn neighborhood.