Leafy Greens

Dried udon noodles are found in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets; if unavailable, use linguine instead.

This is the soup everyone enjoyed in Louviers for Carnaval. Quick to make, deliciously satisfying and alluring, you will find it hits the spot on a cool late winter to spring evening.

It's best to divide this salad between two bowls; put one on the buffet table, and keep the other refrigerated until you need it later in the party. Make the pickled onions at least one day ahead.

"To celebrate my birthday, my husband took me to Assaggio, one of my favorite restaurants here," writes Christy Wall of Portland, Oregon. "As I always do, I ordered the bow-tie pasta with wild mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach, garlic and olive oil."

The contrast of textures and flavors—crunchy pine nuts, creamy goat cheese, acidic tomatoes, and spicy arugula—adds complexity to this simple salad. It makes a great side dish to steak or chicken or a light lunch for two.

"I often don't have the energy to cook a big meal, but I keep my dinners from being boring by preparing interesting fresh salads," says Terry Kirts of Indianapolis Indiana. "I really like this particular recipe because the salad is so easy to make and the dressing keeps for days."

Some of the ingredients need to marinate overnight in the Dijon-red wine vinaigrette, so plan accordingly.

(GNOCCHI DI SPINACI ALLA BAVA) Spinach adds great color and flavor to these light dumplings. The topping consists of melted butter and Fontina cheese, a product made in the neighboring region of Valle d'Aosta but used for many local dishes.

This aristocrat of the salad family is usually considered to belong properly to dinner, accompanying the main entrèe, or even better, as a separate course to refresh the palate. But why not, on a hot summer day, feature the big bowl of cool greens for itself? The accompaniment can be hearty - cheese muffins or sandwiches - but let the salad have the center of the stage.

Look for rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of the supermarket.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This superb starter has no cream and just one tablespoon of oil.

These rolls are baked instead of deep-fried, making them a healthful, satisfying alternative to traditional egg rolls.

The robust flavor of Grey Celtic salt complements the greens perfectly.