Onion

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Also good made with melon or oranges.

You can add some diced red bell pepper to give this full-flavored dish a splash of color.

Chef Shelton uses a 4- by 2-inch round cake ring to mold the salad on the plate.

The rice-shaped pasta orzo is sometimes labeled riso or rosamarina.

The moist interior and crisp crust call out for a main course of roast chicken or fish with pan juices.

This is a favorite family tradition around the holidays, especially for Mrs. Wilkes' great-grandson Ryon. Mrs. Wilkes makes the steak crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is best served with white rice.

Liven up chicken pibil with these pretty-in-pink, spicy-as heck pickled onions.

Known as bifteck haché in France, this dish would go well with potatoes au gratin from the freezer case and buttered, lightly steamed spinach. End with chocolate mousse.

(Epaule d'Agneau Braisée au Thym, Sauté de Carottes et Fenouil) Have a butcher cut the lamb shoulder-blade chops about two inches thick for this dish.

Serve with potato chips, a heap of tangy coleslaw, and some sweet gherkins. Finish with strawberry ice cream and chocolate cookies. By the way, the filling for these quick sandwiches is delicious on toasted English muffins for breakfast.