In this episode: chili with a magical secret ingredient and a life changing way to make vegetables. Plus, the joy of hosting a dinner party and an encouraging tip from an expert.

Our recipe of the week: Quinoa and black bean chili (A Couple Cooks)

Sonja’s recipe pick: Spaghetti squash burrito bowl (Kathryne Taylor of Cookie & Kate)Alex’s recipe pick: French Green Beans with Shallots (Jacque Pepin via New York Times)

Roasting is our favorite way to prepare vegetables in the fall and winter. Some of our favorite recipes:

Spiced roasted cauliflower or roasted cauliflower

Roasted brussels sprouts with pecorino and pecans (pecorino and pecans optional)

Roasted fingerling and new potatoes with rosemary

How to Throw a Healthy Dinner Party from Anna Watson Carl of The Yellow Table

What should Sonja make with an 8-pound green cabbage? Sonja’s farmer’s market haul

Did you find the Easter egg?

A Couple Cooks on Instagram