Tomato

This combination of white beans, tomatoes, and cipolline is exceptionally delicious. Letting your tomatoes cook to the point where they become caramelized and start to fall apart adds sweetness and a layer of deep flavor to the dish. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 9 1/4 hr (includes soaking)

If you aren't counting calories, add some crushed baked corn tortillas to this soup just before serving.

For a richer dish, splurge by adding an ounce of reconstituted dried porcini mushrooms to the sauce.

If you're feeling extravagant, try replacing the scallops with half a pound of lobster. Or substitute a pound of cubed chicken for the seafood and chicken broth for the clam juice.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Called fattoush in Lebanon, this colorful dish is offered as a first course at Al-Amir restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A full-flavored Italian blue cheese adds pizzazz to this pasta. Serve the dish with a salad, bread and a glass of white wine for a lovely weekday dinner.

An elegant but easy first course. Frozen artichoke hearts are used for the filling, and purchased gyoza or wonton wrappers replace homemade pasta.

A crowd-pleasing standard gets a makeover with ground turkey instead of beef; sautéed vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes add flavor. Round out the meat loaf with the mashed potatoes, some green beans and dinner rolls. Pour a dry white or light red wine.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A side dish for grilled chicken, steak or fish.