Fish

Start this romantic supper with Russian caviar and ice-cold lemon vodka. The main course is a simplified but impressive interpretation of the Russian fish pie known as kulebiaka, which the French call coulibiac. Offer Champagne with the entrée, and finish the meal with babas au rhum from a French bakery to complete the cross-European elegance.

A high-protein dish loaded with flavor. Purchased sorbet makes a nice dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Country bread and a salad of thickly sliced tomatoes sprinkled with oil, vinegar and crumbled bacon complete the supper. Strawberry tarts make a lovely finale.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Serve with: Tartar sauce, potatoes au gratin, and a spinach salad with cider vinaigrette. Dessert: Chocolate pudding.

Serve this simple-to-prepare pasta with crusty bread and a glass of Italian rosé (called rosato) or Pinot Grigio.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The Dijon mustard in the dressing gives this easy salad extra kick

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The salmon can be grilled two ways. The first method requires a fish-grilling basket, which can be found at many cookware and barbecue stores (use one that's about 18 by 6 inches for this recipe). The second technique doesn't call for any special equipment at all — just a rimless baking sheet and a spatula.