Weeknight Meals

Oven-baked potato "chips" at their best.

A versatile alternative to couscous, this is a summer starch that doesn't have to be served warm. If you have fresh or cooked leftover vegetables in the kitchen, toss them in to make a main-course salad. You can also play with the herbs to suit the dishes this will accompany.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Alongside this colorful main course, offer simple side dishes like white rice mixed with black beans, and steamed chunks of zucchini. Holiday cookies from the bakery top off the meal nicely.

This springtime dish would go nicely with sliced red and yellow tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette; offer corn muffins, too. End the dinner with wedges of chocolate mousse cake.

This recipe is a variation on the classic English dish toad in the hole, which combines Yorkshire pudding batter with English sausage. If desired, you may substitute Canadian bacon for the Irish bacon called for. You will need to sauté the Canadian bacon in 1/4 cup additional vegetable oil because it does not contain the same amount of fat as Irish bacon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's an easy but sophisticated side dish that makes a great accompaniment to prime rib, pork chops or veal.

Here's a chunky, hearty beef stew that's just right on a cold winter day.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Saffron lends authenticity to this fragrant dish, which draws its inspiration from the paellas of Spain. Serve a green salad alongside, and uncork a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.