Oven Bake

You don't have to cook the lasagna noodles first - just assemble the dish, cover and bake.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a particularly light and crunchy coating we used panko (coarse Japanese bread crumbs) on these crab cakes rather than regular bread crumbs. Panko is increasingly available in this country, not only in Asian markets but also in seafood shops.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Baked Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms and Artichokes in Sherry Sauce

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola Cheese)

Serve with: Tartar sauce, potatoes au gratin, and a spinach salad with cider vinaigrette. Dessert: Chocolate pudding.

This recipe was inspired by Laurie Colwin's tomato pie — which ran in the August 1992 issue of gourmet; James Beard has a similar recipe that we also love in American Cookery. Paired with a green salad, it's a great warm-weather lunch. The very thin biscuit crust sets it apart from the usual (pastry-crust) pies. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr (includes cooling)

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr