Sandwich

These five-ingredient sardine toasts make the perfect party snacks to pass around during cocktail hour.

Many people think all frankfurters are the same. Nothing could be more wrong. Too often the frankfurter in the market display case is a dreary hunk of pressed meat. There is not much you can do to give it flavor. Hunt out German shops, Greek or Kosher delicatessens for the well-seasoned franks and big knockwurst.

These bruschette from the cookbook Simple to Spectacular by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark Bittman (Broadway Books), look both simple and beautiful. Each is topped with an array of mushrooms—shiitake, cremini, and chanterelle —that is set off by fresh tarragon. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Market Tip: Avoid packaged ground lamb, which can be extremely fatty. Instead, buy shoulder meat or lamb stew meat, which has some fat, and ask the butcher to grind it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Chilled Tarragon Tomato Soup with Vegatable Confetti . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Fresh strawberries and cookies from the bakery round out the meal nicely. Pour a dry white wine or iced tea. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 15 minutes Start to finish: 1 1/4 hours

The recipe calls for purchased roasted chicken, which eliminates a step.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.