Russet Potato

If you cut up the potatoes ahead of time, keep them in cold water so that they don't discolor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Rather than frying many batches of small latkes on the stove, you can prepare two large ones that are browned in the oven, then cut into wedges. Offer the Three-Apple Applesauce alongside.

Mashed potatoes are formed into dumplings and served as an accompaniment to sauerbraten at Haussner's, a German restaurant in Baltimore.

Serve this with eggs for breakfast, with salad and rolls for lunch, or as a side dish with steak for dinner.

Pureeing half of the soup (including the meat) gives it a denser consistency. While most Hungarian cooks do not top goulash with sour cream, go ahead; it adds a nice creaminess and tang.

Adding the whole basil leaves to the finished soup gives it a super-fresh taste.

This satisfying accompaniment is named for the creator of the recipe.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In the following recipe, scalloped potatoes, often soaked with cream and cheese, are combined with parsnips and cooked with broth and low-fat milk instead. Though lighter, they are still delicious.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish of veal shanks simmered in a pungent tomato sauce and topped with gremolata. Ming Tsai's clever version is made with fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These can be topped with caviar or smoked salmon for a special-occasion appetizer, but they are also good with fried eggs or as a side dish for grilled fish.

(Roasted Potato Slices with Salt Cod Purée and Roasted Red Pepper)