Chicory

If you've never tried roasted cauliflower before, this dish will be a revelation.

It's best to divide this salad between two bowls; put one on the buffet table, and keep the other refrigerated until you need it later in the party. Make the pickled onions at least one day ahead.

The contrast of textures and flavors—crunchy pine nuts, creamy goat cheese, acidic tomatoes, and spicy arugula—adds complexity to this simple salad. It makes a great side dish to steak or chicken or a light lunch for two.

This low-fat rendition of the classic dish comes from Gil Martínez Soto of Restaurante Virrey de Palafox in El Burgo de Osma, Spain.

Here's a hearty main-course soup perfect for a simple winter dinner. The chopped escarole fills a large bowl but wilts considerably when cooked.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can make the soufflés 4 hours ahead (keep at room temperature). Put in a 375°F oven for 8 minutes to reheat. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Save time by using vacuum-sealed pouches of tuna, which don't need to be drained.

Note that part of the honey-mustard sauce is also used as the marinade.

At Le Gavroche, the salad is composed on individual plates and the leaves of Belgian endive are left whole. Alternatively, the endive may be sliced and tossed with the other ingredients for a more casual presentation.