Weeknight Meals

An infant version of vichyssoise, this is for the nine-month-old — and older — baby with a discriminating palate. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

As soon as the year's first leaves unfurl, many Parisians start planning their annual pilgrimage to the lavender fields of Provence. In this recipe, the lavender may be omitted if desired; however, its aroma and flavor embody a French spring. Do not use lavender flowers treated with essence for these roasted birds.

LaVerl Daily, director of Le Panier cooking school in Houston, suggests supplementing this slightly tropical entrée with rice, black beans and buttered green beans sprinkled with chopped macadamia nuts. Finish with sweet potato pie or coconut cream pie.

This recipe was created to accompany Roasted Marinated Cornish Hens . Can be prepared in 45 or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Full-flavored and hearty, this classic pasta dish with bacon and tomato sauce is always a hit. Top it with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This Mediterranean-style dish can be teamed with green beans and rice, noodles or sautéed potatoes for an easy and sophisticated supper.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For some time I had been thinking: How can I pare down a classic meat sauce for those occasions when I have neither the time to make nor the voracity to consume a full-scale ragù? The sauce below is the answer I came up with. I replaced beef with veal; eliminated the milk, the wine, the carrot, and the celery; and reduced the cooking time from several hours to half of one. It is as easy to take as it is to do. Is it a favorite dish? Sure — it is my favorite simple meat sauce. Suggested pasta: The ideal carrier for this simple meat sauce is a homemade noodle, in particular one scented with rosemary and sage, cut into fettuccine or tonnarelli.  Boxed dry pasta in a short tubular shape such as penne or maccheroncini  can be a satisfactory alternative.

Serve these onions with pan-browned veal rib chops or roast chicken.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.