Horseradish

Though fresh horseradish is in season around Easter, you can substitute drained bottled horseradish. We recommend using the cooked beets left over from the pickled quail egg recipe , but if you're not making the eggs, you can substitute canned beets.

Marty Rosencranz of River Vale, New Jersey, writes: "Even though I am a professional chef — at the Valley Brook Golf Club in New Jersey — when I cook at home I make dishes that are good but fast. The warm steak sandwich is one of the best things to eat for lunch on a cold day." Croissant steak sandwiches with caramelized onions and horseradish mayonnaise Although this sandwich tastes great with a croissant, any bread can be used.

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

A drizzle of chipotle-accented cream boosts the flavors in this refreshing summer soup.

Offer a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon with this impressive prime rib.

I've learned that garnishing soup can turn an everyday first course into something elegant. This cream goes particularly well with lentil soup and puréed carrot soup. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Serve this appealing hors d'oeurve with cut-up fresh vegetables and breadsticks.

Although labeled fully cooked, the ham will still need a gentle baking for maximum tenderness and flavor. Be sure the Cranberry Mustard and the Whole Wheat Date Rolls are close at hand and that the ham is sliced thin for those who would like to make small sandwiches.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 4 hr