Basil

A stylish dinner party dish with a bonus: Much of the prep work can be done a day ahead. At the store, have the butcher bone and trim all of the fat and membrane from a 4 3/4-pound center-cut veal rib roast, resulting in a 3-pound oblong boneless veal loin.

Brushed with garlic oil, grilled over the fire and stacked onto crusty buns with plenty of burger trimmings, portobellos are this season's snazziest alternative sandwich filling.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a more elegant presentation, ask your butcher to french the rack of lamb (that is, trim the meat and fat from the ends of the bones). Also serve the Potato Silk with Truffle Oil and sautéed cherry tomatoes. A good Merlot is the perfect accompaniment.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try the sauce with grilled fish or chicken, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Basil mayonnaise and avocado slices add an extra dimension to the good old bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. Bloody Marys would go nicely with the food in this menu.

You remember s'mores — flame-roasted marshmallows and pieces of chocolate bar sandwiched between graham crackers. The marshmallows melted the chocolate, creating a gooey mess that was so irresistible, you just had to eat some more. My hors d'oeuvre version features flame-roasted mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil squeezed between grilled bread slices or crackers. Everyone still winds up with an irresistibly gooey mess — great party fare.

Try not to break up the large lumps of crabmeat, because the salad looks best when the fresh, white meat stands out.