Root Vegetable

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is inspired by the dip served at Ca'Brea in Los Angeles. Try it with sliced boiled potatoes, crostini or vegetables.

A blend of spices and orange turns ordinary sautéed carrots into an exotic side dish.

The following chunky potato soup was inspired by a smooth version that one of our food editors enjoyed at The Bernerhof Inn in Glen, New Hampshire.

This recipe is used to prepare Cod Cannelloni with Swiss Chard and Roasted Peppers .

For bigger matzo balls in this soup form mixture into 12 rounds and cook them for one hour ten minutes.

Serve this tapenade on bruschetta or as a sandwich spread.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Not so many years ago dried "exotic" or wild mushrooms could be found only in fancy specialty shops, but no longer. Many good urban and suburban supermarkets now carry little packages of various varieties. And Asian markets are a great source for dried shiitake, also known as Chinese black mushrooms. The dried mushrooms are an optional addition to this soup, but they do add a deeper, woodsier flavor.

This versatile salad can also be made with leftover beef, lamb or chicken.

Called pho in Vietnam, this unusual soup is a wonderful party centerpiece dish for an informal gathering. Start out by supplying everyone with a large soup bowl and a ladle. Place the soup tureen in the middle of the table. Have each guest take a generous helping of noodles first, then some meat and broth. Each serving is topped off with shredded lettuce, sliced green onion and a squeeze of lemon juice.

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

A mixed vegetable stew, seasoned with spices characteristic of Morocco. Serve it with rice or couscous.

The Strait of Messina is a rich source for swordfish, which the Sicilians prepare in many ways. Here it is at its simplest: grilled and served with salmoriglio sauce. (In Sicilian, it is sammurigghiu sauce.) The words means "brine", a translation that does not convey the taste or texture of this cooked blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and herbs. Serve with bread and pour a white wine, preferably Sicilian. For dessert, offer cannoli from the bakery.