Herbs & Spices

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For dinner in a matter of minutes, try this Mediterranean-flavored main course.

The mild flavor of leeks adds a nice touch to the pasta's tomato-based sauce.

Offer this colorful condiment with assorted grilled vegetables or grilled tuna. It's also great when paired with fried calamari or used in tuna or potato salad.

A one-pot Moroccan meal from Lotfi's in New York. Serve the stew with couscous or flat bread.

If time is short, omit the streusel topping.

Spoon this over vanilla ice cream, or serve it with dollops of Mascarpone Cream or sour cream.

Try this cinnamon-scented sauce over vanilla ice cream, pound cake or both. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Jamaica's native herbs and spices glorify the lush island's most popular meat. I serve this with Golden Pineapple Chutney . These chops need at least 4 hours' marinating time, and if you can let them sit overnight, they'll be even better.

A mix of butternut and acorn squash makes this soup silky and flavorful. Keep it bubbling on the stove to warm up any roaming ghosts and goblins as they return home from their Halloween rounds.

Probably the Shakers' greatest gift to American cookery was their knowledge and liberal use of herbs, which were relied upon to vary and enliven standard dishes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

From the Spa at Doral in Miami.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Remove the skin from the game hens before roasting them to make this delicious main course lower in fat. Uncork a bottle of Chardonnay, and offer steamed yellow and green zucchini alongside.

This slightly spicy side dish is excellent with grilled meat or chicken.

Pumpkin adds beautiful color to the all-American cheesecake while pecan praline makes a southern-style topping. Begin preparing this cake a day ahead.

Steamed baby yellow squash and rice pilaf studded with bits of pimiento would look pretty with the scallops. End the meal with a plate of petits fours or fancy cookies and some fresh berries.