Homemade meals are better for you than store-bought, but who has the time? You do—with these simple, fast, and scrumptious recipes from the new cookbook Scratch, by our very own CEO (and organic pioneer) Maria Rodale. All recipes yield 4 servings.

fancy food that is easy to make
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CRISPY FRIED CHICKPEAS

1 cup olive oil
1 can chickpeas (14-19 oz), drained, rinsed, and patted dry
Salt

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high until a chickpea thrown into it starts to sizzle.
2. Fry chickpeas, gently shaking the pot, for 8 to 9 minutes, until deep golden brown. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels, where they'll crisp as they cool. Season with salt, then transfer to a bowl.

Spice Check: For a hit of extra flavor, add a pinch each of paprika and cayenne after the chickpeas cool.

RELATED: The 16 Best Foods to Eat When You're Seriously Hangry 

fancy food that is easy to make
Con Poulos/Rodale Inc.

CLASSIC ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD

2 oranges, rind and pith removed, flesh sliced into rounds
1 large bulb fennel, cored and thinly sliced on a mandolin, fronds reserved
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Microgreens for garnish

1. Arrange oranges in a circle on individual plates.
2. Spread fennel slices over oranges. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with fennel fronds and microgreens.

Bright Side: This salad, a traditional Italian dish, takes about five minutes to prepare and is the perfect complement to rich winter comfort food.

RELATED: 5 Burger Bun Alternatives That Will Make You Totally Forget About Bread

fancy food that is easy to make
Con Poulos/Rodale Inc.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH TAHINI DRESSING

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1/3 cup tahini
1/3 cup warm water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, crushed in a press
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or cilantro leaves

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower with oil and salt to taste, and spread in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until golden brown, about 35 minutes.
2. In a bowl, stir together tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to taste until smooth. Add a little more water if the mixture is too thick.
3. To serve, transfer cauliflower to a serving dish, drizzle with the tahini dressing, and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro.

Plainly Perfect: This dish also tastes good without dressing—roasting brings out the cauliflower's innate sweetness.

RELATED: 6 Bedtime Snacks That Will Help You Sleep Like a Baby 

fancy food that is easy to make
Con Poulos/Rodale Inc.

CRISPY-SKIN SALMON WITH HERB DRESSING

1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet, skin on Sea salt
Extra-virgin olive oil, for cooking
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill leaves
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped

1. Cut salmon fillet into 4 equal pieces and sprinkle with salt.
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat a little oil over high. Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook until skin is crispy, about 5 minutes. Cover with a lid and cook 1 minute more (or turn fish over and cook without the lid).
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup oil, parsley, dill, garlic, and salt to taste.
4. To serve, drizzle salmon with the herb dressing.

Fish Tale: In just six minutes, this seared salmon—packed with health-promoting omega-3s—is ready for the table. Add mashed potatoes and it's a meal!

Recipes excerpted from Scratch, by Maria Rodale. Published by Rodale Inc., publisher of Women's Health.

For more healthy eating tips, pick up the October issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now.

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Maria Rodale
Maria Rodale is vice chairman of Rodale, Inc., which publishes Prevention, and coauthor with her daughter Maya of It's My Pleasure (Free Press, 2005).