Weeknight Meals

This recipe was inspired by one from Odessa Piper, chef-owner of L'Etoile restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The creamy soup would be great with large sesame-coated breadsticks and a spinach salad with marinated mushrooms. Baked apples and oatmeal-raisin cookies are nice after. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

One surprise to Europeans who settled the plains was the abundance of wild mushrooms, including morels, chanterelles, and other varieties familiar from home. Free for the picking, the mushrooms were hung on strings and dried, providing a winter's worth of eating. Wild rice (actually a grass seed) is a New World native that combines well with the earthy mushrooms the French cèpes. (The Italians call them porcini, and they are easier to find than cèpes, which is why we call for porcini in this recipe.)

Spoon this over rice noodles or linguine, and have a crisp coleslaw of bean sprouts, shredded cabbage and slivered red bell pepper alongside. To finish, drizzle white rum over fresh pineapple and banana chunks. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This pretty soup could be a soothing lunch or a light dinner — and it's healthful, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A homey yet sophisticated soup that's great for casual entertaining.

This meatless salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper and leeks. Cooked sausage may be added to make it heartier. Serve with rolls or baguette slices and iced tea or white wine.

A versatile side dish that goes well with chicken, fish or pork. The recipe doubles or triples easily to feed a family, guests, or to freeze for use another time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.