Chicken

Roasted red potatoes and a spinach salad would make good accompaniments.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"My grandmother was a reporter in New York before she got married and moved to Montana to start a new life on a ranch," writes Joyce Litz of Albuquerque, New Mexico. "At the time she didn't know how to cook, and learning wasn't easy — the place didn't even have running water. Still, she appreciated good food, so she persevered and became a great cook. Later my grandmother taught me ranch-style cooking, a lot of which involved getting simple but flavorful, hearty meals ready in a hurry."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ask the butcher to halve the Cornish game hens for you.

"Here's a chicken recipe I came up with that's great for a quick weekday meal with an elegant touch" says Peter Micheli of Medford, Massachusetts. "I have used the sauce with homemade lobster ravioli, and I think it would go well with veal, too. I named this recipe after my mother, who was a great cook." We agree with Mr. Micheli — this dish is a wonderful weekday meal. But its simple elegance also makes it perfect for a party. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve with: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc • saffron-scented couscous • glazed baby carrots • mint-chocolate mousse

Serve these patties over <epi:recipelink id="106530"">gingered noodle salad</epi:recipelink>.

This Dijon favorite goes well with french fries. Offer a red or white Burgundy.

Green onions make all the difference in this new take on a popular Thai soup.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tamarind paste, from a pod with a sweet-tangy pulp, is common in Hawaiian cooking.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.