Parmesan

(OMELETTE AUX ASPERGES)

This do-ahead brunch dish makes excellent use of leftover bread. Add a layer of salsa and Monterey Jack cheese for a Southwest flair; or replace the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes with some sautéed onions and Gruyère cheese for a French twist.

"I had a delightful dinner at Andiamo! Ristorante while on vacation in San Diego," writes Laverne Smith of Seattle, Washington. "Could you get their recipe for fettuccine carbonara? It was the best pasta I've ever had." Prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking to ensure that the fettuccine will be hot when the sauce is finished; the heat of the pasta cooks the raw eggs that are tossed with it.

This pie is made from the overflowing bounty of the backyard garden. Fresh corn and zucchini seasoned with dill bake underneath Parmesan-crusted tomatoes to make a scrumptious entrée that can be served warm or at room temperature.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Saint André, a French triple-cream cheese, would also be nice here instead of Brie.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These crackers are wonderful with figs and a big hunk of Stilton

The plump ravioli called pansoti ("little bellies"), a Ligurian specialty, are often dressed with a walnut sauce. We strayed from tradition a bit and tucked the walnuts into the filling instead. Be sure to buy pancetta that's well marbled: If it's too lean, it won't render enough fat to flavor the filling. Also, brown the onions well — the caramelization lends a depth and richness that's essential to this dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Parsley and thyme replace the usual basil in this sauce. Try it on cooked vegetables.

(Onion, Anchovy, and Olive Tarts)

Here's a creamy, low-fat dish that rivals the homey goodness of mashed potatoes. Leftovers are great with scrambled eggs for brunch.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We used grocery rotisserie chickens for this recipe, but leftover turkey from the holiday table works equally well.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Make this at least one day and up to two days ahead for best flavor. This is a much simplified version of the classic smoked meat and bean cassoulet.