Seafood

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Nothing is more basic to French olive people than tapenade, the simple and delicious Provençal caviar eaten with toasted bread. It can be flavored with garlic, bay, thyme, mustard, and even rum or Cognac. Here, it is done the old way.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. The chef at Cafe Diablo uses 6- to 8-ounce local trout fillets from Road Creek Trout Farm. We have adapted the recipe for smaller fillets.

Great over rice or toasted French bread.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Nice, being by the sea, offers interesting fish dishes. One of these is poutargue, made with dried and smoked roe, which you will find in some delicatessen shops. The roe should be grated or finely chopped. To every 2 cups add 1 cup chopped hard-cooked egg, 1 cup finely chopped onion, a dash of lemon juice and enough olive oil to blend all. Another dish from the sea is raïto or rayte. This is traditional on Christmas Eve throughout Provence. It is reminiscent of other fish stews, including the chioppino of California.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You won't even need a fork for this no-fuss supper. Include some top-of-the line potato chips and mixed pickled vegetables on the menu, and have ice cream bars for dessert.

Chef Suzanne Goin prepares this dish with Taylor Bay Scallops in the shell, but it's also delicious with regular bay scallops, which are more widely available. Be sure to use a good amontillado, the medium-dry Sherry that is lightly aged to give it a mellow, nutty flavor. What to drink: Condrieu, an aromatic Rhône white made with Viognier grapes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Whole roasted salmon always makes an impressive main course. Be sure to have the salmon cleaned when buying it. Begin preparing the fish the day before the party. Serve Champagne to keep things festive.