Steam

Great served warm or at room temperature, this moist, delicious steamed bread can be made in a single loaf pan or in two empty, clean 28-ounce food cans. Offer softened butter or cream cheese alongside.

"I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' — that's what I call it — at my house every year," writes Frances Teasley of North Hollywood, California. "I know a lot of people who, like me, don't have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house." Nice, fresh flavors for a side dish or salad.

A great dish from Dalvay By The Sea.

White asparagus has a delicate flavor that works especially well with our truffle vinaigrette, but try the dish with green asparagus, too.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A nice side dish for a casual picnic or for a fancier meal with grilled chicken or seafood.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

To debeard the mussels, just pull off the hairlike bits coming out of the shell.

From Keo's Thai Cuisine in Honolulu, this recipe calls for marinating pork ribs in coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger and soy sauce overnight. It's a delicious dish.

An easy side dish with a bit of Asian flavor.

(SALADE DE LEGUMES AU FROMAGE DE CHEVRE) This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.