Microwave

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

"Before I had children," says Annie Denn of Mission Viejo, California. "I was in the airline industry. Working full-time used to leave me exhausted at the end of the day, but now I've discovered that my old job was a piece of cake compared to my responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom. In addition to keeping the house in order, I volunteer at my children's schools. It's fun to go into their classrooms and help out with projects and reading groups, but those activities leave little time for cooking. When I do get into the kitchen, I make dishes that are simple and delicious—which isn't easy given the different eating styles in my family. My daughters, Cassandra and Melinda, request hot dogs and pizza every night. Plus, they're quite the little cookie monsters. On the other hand, my husband, Mike, is a real meat-and-potatoes guy who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. Although it's hard to come up with a compromise every night, I can usually put together a quick and flavorful steak dish with a batch of freshly baked cookies for dessert. That makes everyone—especially Mom—very happy." Made mostly with chocolate and just a bit of flour, these cookies have an intense chocolate flavor and a chewy texture.

In a classic confit, meat cooks (and is then preserved) in its own fat. Here, lemons cook in their own juices to become the basis for an overnight marinade.

Mexican food is usually high in calories; this lean dish is authentic but light.

Spectacular but easy, thanks to purchased ice cream and sorbet. The meringue is browned in the broiler, like a baked Alaska, just before serving.

The following microwave recipe was tested in an 800-watt oven. Cooking times will vary from one manufacturer's product to a another, depending on power and size configuration; therefore, it is imperative to refer to the instructions that accompany the appliance and to treat the times given in this recipe simply as guidelines. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

By using a microwave to melt the chocolate, you can whip up a batch of these sophisticated truffles in no time. The ground espresso beans add great coffee flavor. Serve the truffles directly from the refrigerator because they soften quickly at room temperature.

A bagged lettuce mix with "Mediterranean" greens would go nicely here when tossed with red wine vinaigrette and served with ciabatta bread. End with pears and a plate of bittersweet chocolate-nut toffee.