Basil

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 40 min

To get you in the mood for summer we are grilling these pizzas, but if you aren't able to grill, you can cook them indoors in a grill pan instead.

You will have twice as much of the pesto as you need. You can cut the pesto amount in half, but I encourage you to make the full recipe. It will disappear quickly on bread, toast, or baked potatoes. This salad is even greater if you use your best olive oil.

"When I was staying at the Metropolitan Hotel in Toronto," writes Constance M. Shertzer of Indiana, Pennsylvania, "I discovered a fabulous restaurant there called Hemispheres Restaurant and Bistro. The pasta with mushrooms and tomato sauce was as good as any I've ever had in Italy."

Regular mozzarella can be substituted for the smoked variety in this quick and easy dish.

Lisa Caiazza of Franklin Square, New York, writes, "At the Manhattan law office where I'm a legal secretary, it seems as though the phones are always ringing. And if it isn't the phones that have me occupied, then there are lots of documents that need my attention. By the time I get home from the city, I usually have only about 45 minutes to put together dinner for my husband, Angelo, and myself. Still, that's enough time to make something filling and delicious, like a salad and a hearty pasta or soup." A quick and flavorful pasta dish that's special enough for company.

This American variation of a Chinese stir-fry—combined with a loaf of crusty bread—is a meal in itself.

An old-fashioned pasta dish with a new-fashioned filling. Basil and chives accent the luscious ricotta and feta cheese stuffing in this comforting main course. Conclude supper with fruit and your favorite cookies.

"Einstein Bros. Bagels in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, sells a feta-pine nut spread that I would like to make," says Clarissa Gaasch of Andover, Minnesota. "I'm thinking it would be as good on crackers as it is on bagels."

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

This is an easy dinner party appetizer. Start it at least one day and up to one week before your party. Offer guests small plates and forks.

This risotto has the classic creamy yet al dente texture and features a combination of Parmesan cheese and seafood. Contrary to popular belief, Italians do partner cheese with seafood in some dishes; we recommend it here without reservation.

This quick, casual recipe endows beef burgers with the flavors of a great pizza.