Roast

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Marinating the pork in citrus juices gives it a flavor that is perfectly complemented by the slightly spicy sauce. If you cannot find plantains, use ripe bananas.

This elegant but easy recipe is the perfect entrée for a romantic dinner. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The butter for the yams gets a lift from the peel of oranges, plus chili powder and cayenne pepper. Making the topping ahead saves time on the big day.

Sautéed zucchini or spinach makes a delicious accompaniment. Serve with a dry red wine such as a Naoussa from Greece or a Zinfandel or Pinot Noir from California. Baklava from a local Middle Eastern market is the ideal after-dinner sweet.

This hearty winter entrée can be prepared several days ahead. Veal brisket is the boned veal breast. If you don't have a roasting pan large enough to hold both briskets, divide the ingredients in half and bake in two pans. If the veal is difficult to find, substitute one 5-pound flat-cut beef brisket and roast until tender, about 3 1/2 hours. Leftovers freeze well and make great sandwiches.

Turkey will take a little longer to cook when it is stuffed and must be perfectly balanced on your spit. It is wise to tie it securely once you have achieved perfect balance with it. The stuffing will take the place of a starch dish and cut down on the preparations for the dinner. Allow 1 cup of stuffing for each pound of turkey.

Like the pepper relish, these super-satisfying onions would be good with all kinds of meat.