Plum Tomato

This would be nice with any roasted meat.

(Gratins d'Aubergine, Mozzarella et Pistou) This makes a terrific meatless main course. It would serve eight as a side dish; simply layer the ingredients in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish, then bake and broil it as directed.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Like gumbo, this is a thick and flavorful stew. But it takes a lot less time to make. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Mark Taylor of West Hartford, Connecticut, writes: "I started cooking out of necessity when I first graduated from college, since I couldn't afford to eat out. Having grown up watching my mother cook for our large family, I used her recipes. She was always trying new dishes whenever we had guests and sharing her adventurous attitude toward eating. These days, even though my wife and I both work, we still cook several times a week. Now I tend to rely on recipes I've picked up from restaurants and friends. I enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and figuring out new ways to improve a recipe, as I've done with the one here." Serve the fish and sauce over couscous.

Tamarind seasoning paste Smoky, earthy, and with a sweet-and-sour tang, this recado is also delicious on pork, beef, and venison.

Crispy phyllo takes the place of a traditional pizza crust in this inventive recipe, which is a great appetizer or light entrée.

Serve this entrée with crusty bread to help catch all the juices, and pour a light Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. For dessert, spoon minted fresh berries atop vanilla frozen yogurt.

The following recipe was inspired by pissaladière, the Niçoise tart that features a similar topping.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This salsa is used to flavor Frijoles Borrachos , as an ingredient in Piquant Crab on Jícama Wedges , and to accompany Chorizo and Potato Empanaditas and tacos. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Adding the whole basil leaves to the finished soup gives it a super-fresh taste.

Instead of burger buns, we like to serve the lamb with lentil and rice salad and fresh greens. Of course, the burgers are equally delicious the traditional way. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Salmon and cod also work well.

Consider this delicious dish as a vegetarian main course, too.

A delicious alternative to gefilte fish. Have the fishmonger fillet the whitefish.