Cheese

At the restaurant, the lamb is served with cilantro-corn mashed potatoes.

"Every time I visit my sister in Los Angeles, we make a point of having dinner at Mimosa, a popular French bistro," writes Frances Candler Brown of Birmingham, Alabama. "I like to think I'm an adventurous diner, but my order there has become only too predictable: a glass of wine, a salad and the restaurant's delectable version of macaroni and cheese." This French take on macaroni and cheese has a nice assertive flavor.

Other top-quality blue cheeses-like Maytag, Danish or Roquefort-are fine replacements for the Stilton. And if arugula is unavailable, choose another slightly bitter salad green, such as curly endive, chicory or baby salad greens; spinach mixed with some watercress would also work quite well.

This easy-to-make lasagne evolved from a pasta dish that one of us enjoyed on a trip to Portofino, Italy, some 30 years ago. Our version is even quicker, using won ton skins, which cook in a flash. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

This rib-sticking soup makes a fine meal, especially with a salad alongside. See how to dice potatoes.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Whenever you serve this lightly spiced, moist buttermilk layer cake you'll turn dessert into a celebration. The spices in the cake mellow as it stands, so it's even better the day after baking.

This is like a light-textured cheesecake. It needs to chill overnight, so plan ahead.

We prefer Gorgonzola, Italy's star blue cheese, for this recipe, but if Iowa's Maytag blue — or another import — is easier to find in your area, then use it instead.

To make this recipe even easier to prepare, substitute three tablespoons diced canned green chilies for the fresh Anaheim chili.

Moist, with subtle heat from the chipotles.

Great on its own or served alongside grilled fish, chicken or steak.

The heat of the cooked spaghetti wilts the mixed greens in this lemony warm pasta salad. Dry Monterey Jack is an aged Jack cheese similar to Parmesan.

Slow-cooked garlic combines with bacon and mushrooms to give this first-course pizza a smoky, woodsy and oh-so-satisfying flavor. Serve a crisp green salad alongside.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.