Herbs & Spices

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's an easy-to-make entrée flavored with a spicy marinade; the shrimp are nice on a bed of salad greens or with rice.

Some cinnamon and pepper give these wonderful cookies a south-of-the-border flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The tomato topping for these crostini is based on that of a "fettunta pomodoro" (a variation of bruschetta made with whole-wheat peasant bread) sampled at Florence's Cantinetta Antinori, owned by the well-know winemaking family. To create visual variety for our presentation, we have made half of the crostini with the black olive paste on top and the rest with the red tomato mixture on top. Those who prefer a simpler recipe can sprinkle all of the bread slices with Parmesan before toasting (doubling the amount of cheese) and top all of the crostini with the tomato mixture and then the olive paste.

Here's a modern spin on blini, the buckwheat pancakes that are a classic for caviar. Also topping them with smoked salmon is a delightful way to gild the lily.

Serve the fish with steamed rice and braised bok choy or Napa cabbage for an elegant and easy Asian-inspired dinner. Begin marinating the fish at least three hours before you plan to cook it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These wholesome flapjacks are filled with the energy-boosting carbohydrates found in whole wheat flour and multigrain oatmeal. The fat is kept down by using low-fat cottage cheese, only two egg yolks and just two tablespoons of milk. To cook the pancakes, make sure to use a nonstick skillet brushed lightly with oil. Top them with the Peach and Berry Salad, and serve with reduced-fat sausages.

Chicken Tetrazzini was named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, who was popular in the United States in the early 1900s. No one is sure when and where the dish was created, but it remains a favorite, especially during the holiday season, when leftover turkey is often substituted for chicken.

Mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, brussels sprouts tossed with slivered pimiento, and gingered baked apples are updates of American classics that would go well with this turkey twist on Salisbury steak.

Fresh, colorful and simple, this salad is the essence of summer. In the picnic basket, tuck a cold pack next to this dish to keep it at the right temperature.

Fillets of sole will work equally well in the following recipe.

In France puréed potatoes are mixed with a local cow's-milk cheese known as Tomme Fraîche de Cantal. We've substituted fresh mozzarella — widely available in the States — to give the dish a similar consistency.