Simmer

A treat for mint julep fans. Traditional silver mint julep cups or frozen parfait glasses add a nice accent at serving time.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This satisfying pasta is an easy-to-make entrée to serve after a night on the town. Just add a salad, bread, and some sorbet and biscotti to complete the meal.

This is really a base for other soups that can also be served on it's own — but consider adding some jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and lime juice; or diced tomato, chopped parsley, matchsticks of zucchini, and thinly sliced basil; cooked peas and small leaves of spinach; lemongrass, curry leaves, and lime juice; or any other seasoning group that seems enjoyable.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Taking a cue from the classic drink, this dessert has a rich and creamy coffee flavor. It looks pretty spooned into glass coffee cups or mugs and topped with a few coffee beans (real or chocolate).

Even easier: Use purchased pesto to help speed up the preparation.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

White rice, currants and pine nuts also go into the filling for this regional specialty.

A tangy sauce for grilled chicken or spare-ribs. Build up a shiny glaze by brushing the sauce often over the meat, beginning about 15 minutes from the end of cooking time.

Accompany the chowder with saltines or Crown Pilot crackers. A side of steamed broccoli with lemon dressing is also nice, as are individual pecan pies á la mode for dessert.

This crunchy old-time favorite is an ideal gift for families, because both adults and children will eat it by the handful. For a gift, place the popcorn in glass jars tied with ribbon and decorated with sprigs of holly. And for immediate eating, put the popcorn in a cellophane-lined basket or box, and set it out for everyone to enjoy.

This is the one potato salad that purists dream of-plenty of tangy dressing and just a bit of crunch. Low-fat or nonfat mayonnaise and sour cream can be used.