Vegan

A jicama, watercress and red onion salad and warm corn tortillas would be terrific with this meatless entrée. Scoop lemon sherbet into cantaloupe halves for dessert. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Beer gives a yeasty flavor to this quick bread made without yeast. Slices of the bread are good toasted or sandwiched around a filling of choice.

The savory butter is also good on potatoes, rice, pasta or bread.

A few years back, I renewed my romance with Galatoire's restaurant. The reacquaintance was arranged by my friend Kerry Moody, who is one of New Orleans's black Creoles. A frequent visitor to the restaurant, he led me through the menu and introduced me to such off-the-menu delights as fried eggplant lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've returned to Galatoire's many times since. Now when I arrive at the restaurant, I feel like a regular when my waiter, Imre, remembers me after any length of absence and brings the eggplant to the table unasked. The combination of eggplant and sugar sounds strange, but the dish is delicious, a perfect beginning to a Creole feast and a subtle reminder of the African traditions of New Orleans cooking. The eggplant on which the dish is based may have originated in Africa, and the frying in deep oil is one of the major African culinary methods brought to this country by slave cooks.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A Scandinavian table is seldom without them.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A version of the Tuscan specialty, fagioli all'ucccelletto.

At the restaurant, this vinaigrette is also used as a marinade for grilled chicken.

Roasted garlic produces a rich dressing using very little oil.

A flavorful accompaniment for roast pork, chicken, burgers, or grilled shrimp.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(BEIGNETS DE COURGETTES)

(Chick-Pea Dip with Parsley and Pine Nuts)

Outstanding in flavor and freshness, these marinated vegetables are unlike anything you'll find in a jar or deli case. But do make a trip to your local Italian delicatessen for sliced assorted cold cuts and crusty bread to go with the vegetables. It all adds up to an impressive no-hassle starter.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.