Sun-Dried Tomato

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."

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 40 min

This do-ahead brunch dish makes excellent use of leftover bread. Add a layer of salsa and Monterey Jack cheese for a Southwest flair; or replace the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes with some sautéed onions and Gruyère cheese for a French twist.

Steamed cauliflower florets, broccoli florets and carrot slices are mixed with olives and tossed with a sun-dried tomato and oregano vinaigrette in this Italian-inspired starter "from the garden."

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Anchovies, capers, olives and sun-dried tomatoes enhance the delicious butter. It is also good melted over grilled fish or chicken.

Delicious served with bread or crackers, these cheeses are also a wonderful addition to pizzas, pastas and salads.

Put a slice of this butter on any grilled or panfried meat or fish, or slather it on warm corn bread. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

Baked egg roll wrappers make a crisp, low-fat base for the roasted mushroom topping.

Good as an entrée or served in smaller portions alongside chicken or beef.

A satisfying, easy dish that's also versatile: Accompany with sliced melon and some assorted pastries for brunch, or with a green salad and warm focaccia for dinner.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

Beer gives a yeasty flavor to this quick bread made without yeast. Slices of the bread are good toasted or sandwiched around a filling of choice.

The warm goat cheese toasts make delicious croutons for the salad, but they would also be an easy hors d'oeuvre.