We want to lighten things up, but we still need something warming and a bit hearty to keep us going after a long day -- enter two wintry vegan comfort foods.

This is one of those meals that brings immense pleasure to fans of efficiency in the kitchen.

Nicholas has a strategy for easing his kids into the spicy stuff. Or not.

Maybe it happened in the elevator. Or the coffee shop.

The steaks are nigh and the stakes are high. This week, take the pressure off by preparing a steakhouse-worthy meal at home.

Put time into dinner now, and you can make it last forever -- or at least the whole week. Welcome to Halfway to Dinner, where we show you how to stretch your staples every which way. 

Today: Mimi Thorisson of Manger sets her table beautifully with eggs all week. Her husband documents.

Tonight, a rustic, minimalistic dinner.

Dust off your stove. Warm up your oven. And if all goes wrong, there's always champagne.