American

This elegant roast chicken is easy to make.

Serve this pork on hamburger buns for delicious sandwiches.

Healthy bonus Vitamin K and folate from the escarole

Caramel ice cream, chocolate chip "blondies," and a crunchy streusel sweeten the deal.

Daryl Getman of New York City, NY, writes: "I'm a second-year theater student at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, so most days are more about running from class to rehearsal to a performance than they are about cooking. But since I moved out of the dorms last year, cooking has become my favorite distraction. And on the weekends, it's my idea of a break." Top the moist squares with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Inspired by Neapolitan ice cream, this pretty dessert layers cherry-studded chocolate ice cream with pistachio ice cream and raspberry sorbet. The press-in, no-bake crust is made with Italian amaretti cookies.

Joy Ackerman of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: "After cooking for a family of six for years, I've become a pro at streamlining recipes and being organized in the kitchen. My children are now grown and out of the house, but that hasn't changed how I cook or shop. I still make a monthly menu plan, and often find myself cooking my kids' favorite dishes whenever they visit."

Begin preparing the cake one day ahead.

Using ground beef with a higher fat content ensures a moist meatloaf.

This custard isn't meant to be eaten on its own. Food editor Melissa Roberts-Matar wanted the cake layers in the Pistachio Rhubarb Trifle to soak up the custard, so this one has a much looser consistency than most puddings.

Stir any remaining pesto into steamed vegetables or couscous.

What to drink: Sparkling wine would pair well with these sweet-spicy flavors.

Bake the cheesecake at least one day ahead so that it has enough time to chill.

Daryl Getman of New York City, NY, writes: "I'm a second-year theater student at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, so most days are more about running from class to rehearsal to a performance than they are about cooking. But since I moved out of the dorms last year, cooking has become my favorite distraction. And on the weekends, it's my idea of a break." Daryl likes to use top-notch applewood-smoked bacon for this salad.

Healthy bonus: Fiber from tomatoes; calcium from basil and fennel

Espresso powder makes this creamy fudge taste more intensely chocolaty. Any nuts you prefer (such as pecans or macadamia nuts) can stand in for the walnuts.