Pasta

Not all good meat sauces have to simmer for hours. The sauce for this recipe can be made in less than 45 minutes.

Pretty and delicious, this pasta has plenty of vegetables, lots of snap and crunch, and a terrific Asian-style peanut sauce.

A sophisticated main course.

The juices from the clams combine with spicy Asian flavors to make a great pasta sauce.

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

Little dumplings that are served in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Alsace, spaetzle are usually made by pushing the batter through a strainer into boiling water. The batter in this recipe is thicker and can be shaped with a small spoon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Currants, roasted peppers, chick-peas, olives, green onions and cilantro add color and flavor to this portable salad. To start, dip wedges of pita bread into store-bought hummus (a creamy puree of chick-peas and sesame paste, available at Middle Eastern markets). A slightly chilled Beaujolais or lemonade is a refreshing beverage choice.

This meatless salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper and leeks. Cooked sausage may be added to make it heartier. Serve with rolls or baguette slices and iced tea or white wine.

The low-fat mushroom ragout can also be served over toast points or as a side dish.

A country-style Italian bread and a hearty salad of romaine with roasted peppers and black olives would be great with this pasta dish. Pears with walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese would be a nice dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Creating her own versions of restaurant dishes is a hobby of Christina's. This is her interpretation of a pasta she had while dining out in San Francisco.

A crisp, buttery crumb topping and a touch of curry make this variation special.