Olive

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve white rice with saffron on the side, and orange sorbet topped with chocolate shavings for dessert. Look for the herbes de Provence in the spice aisle at the market.

Involtini di Manzo Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

Here's a summer salad with robust flavors.

Light, refreshing and beautiful.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe is from my favorite grandmother, DeeDee. According to my mother, it has many variations, and my grandmother always served it with great presentation at parties, family dinners, and ladies luncheons. The recipe has high stakes: You get but one chance when you unmold it. Just recently I recall overhearing my mother exclaim "Damn!" as she was getting the salad ready for yet another meal. It was runny — not enough time in the refrigerator.

Most Moroccan fish specialties are prepared with a marinade called charmoula. Paprika, cumin, cilantro and garlic usually form its base, with other seasonings-such as the saffron and turmeric here-added for variation.

The Mexican mash came from a shiva call! Aunt Lee was paying a condolence call on a friend when in Chicago and someone had made the dish. She asked for the recipe and I stole it from her. Now it's going to the Super Bowl!

My mother's neighbor Beth Yaffe serves this dip often at parties and barbecues. It's always the first thing to go!

Offer this elegant dish with a sauté of vegetables.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Since the tomatoes in the sauce are cooked just briefly, this dish is a breeze to make.

Transform flounder fillets into an elegant dinner with this classic French technique.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The spirit of Mexico spices up this home-style, do-ahead main dish. The enchiladas can be assembled one day in advance and refrigerated. If time is short, use 5 cups of shredded skinless cooked chicken from the deli and 4 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth. Begin the party with chips, guacamole and salsa, and blend a pitcher or two of Margaritas for fun. Watch how to cut a whole chicken into parts to use in this recipe.

This version of the French classic has only raw vegetables.