Aries (March 21 - April 19) Taking the extra step can make an everyday meal taste extraordinary. Before you leave for work, throw some chicken breasts in a container with your favorite herbs, a strip of lemon peel, and a little bit of mild salt water. It'll make a big difference in the cooking.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You can order so many specialty foods and chef's toys online, but don't forget the joy of finding a prize -- whether it's Peruvian potatoes or a food mill at half price -- at a local store or farmer's market.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) From broccoli raab to dandelion greens, bitter vegetables give you new tastes to savor, and are great for purifying the blood and liver. Saute them lightly with olive oil, good quality stock and garlic.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) Seek out an innovative new use for a food or appliance today. Dates, when soaked overnight, are delicious and take the place of sugar in smoothies. The soak water is also incredibly sweet -- try cooking your oatmeal in it.
Leo (July 23 - August 22) Eating together is a form of intimacy, so make it as pleasant as you can, whether you're dining with friends, family or a romantic partner. The setting doesn't have to be fancy, but clean and nicely presented food always tastes better.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Get out of a rut by doing something out-of-character. Buy an exotic vegetable at the market and improvise a recipe. Skip your usual take-out and DVD date night and go for tapas and salsa dancing afterward.
Libra (September 23 - October 22) Some items seem necessary, but actually aren't. If you've got a good sharp knife that can slice up meat and vegetables, you don't really need a bread knife. Just keep a whetstone or sharpening steel so you can help the knife keep its edge.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Take a chance and make an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink salad. Who knew arugula, fresh dill, baby beets and goat cheese with an orange-papaya-ginger vinaigrette could be so delicious?
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Found a cooking conundrum that leaves even an Internet search stumped? It's time to ask the dedicated cooks in your circle of friends and to hit the traditional cookbooks -- an answer's bound to turn up.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) Want a more colorful, vibrant existence? One easy way to incorporate that desire is to get as many colors onto your plate as possible. From emerald-green spinach to sunny orange bell peppers, more energy and life await you.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Don't be so quick to throw out that stale loaf of bread. It can be the basis of a good bread pudding or be turned into breadcrumbs and stored in the freezer for future recipes. You'll save yourself some money, too.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Seeking ways to be healthier? Use more herbs in your cooking and you can cut down on salt, boost the flavor of a vinaigrette or dress up a salad or roast -- while also adding lots of antioxidants to the dish.
Former New York Yankees left-hander Fritz Peterson died at the age of 82. He is probably best known exchanging wives with teammate Mike Kekich in the 1970s.
