Basil

Marinate the cheese for a couple of hours, then assemble the salad just before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A puree of spinach and basil lends color and flavor to this Thai-style main dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Delicious with seafood and veggies.

What to drink: Sangiovese wines are a classic pairing with robust pasta dishes. Try the Cantina di Montalcino 1999 Poggio del Sasso, a good-value Super Tuscan.

These no-bake bites can be made two hours ahead and are designed to taste best at room temperature, making them perfect for parties.

Elisa Mazzaferro-Rosenberg of Fort Collins, Colorado, writes: "I love to entertain, but between coming home late — I just completed my Ph.D. in small animal clinical sciences — and feeding my husband, Adam, and myself plus our little family of five cats and two dogs, I haven't had the time to have friends over much."

Add a simple green salad to our updated version of the grilled cheese sandwich, and dinner is served.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Grilling the fish makes it moist and tender.