5 Ingredients or Fewer

A twist on the traditional sauce for raw oysters. It works well with steamed clams, too.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We took the feta cheese out of this classic dish and stirred it into the rice that accompanies it, for a yummy variation. A cucumber salad is the perfect partner. Buy your favorite cookies for dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. If fingerling potatoes are not available, small red potatoes, halved, may be substituted.

Florentine summers are hot and sticky — no time to even think about eating a plate of hot pasta. So, when Torquato Innocenti, whose produce I seek out in my local market, mentioned cold garlic pasta I raced home with his vague hints and produced the following dish. As we compared notes the next day, I realized that Torquato's garlic sauce, and not the pasta, was cold. But no one at my table complained. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

A simple accompaniment for roast chicken.

Don't try beating potatoes in a food processor: the fast spinning motion will develop the gluten in the potatoes and turn them into a gray, sticky mass. You can use an electric beater if your potatoes are mealy — russet or Idahos.

This soup has the classic flavors of a baked potato topped with sour cream and chives. It would be perfect as a starter to a meal of steak and salad, or terrific teamed with crusty bread for lunch.

Good as an entrée or served in smaller portions alongside chicken or beef.

Tinted white chocolate icing is used to make the festive plaid pattern that decorates these tasty sugar cookies.

The best way to get warm and cozy after a day outdoors is with this drink, in Ireland known simply as "hot whiskey."