Tarragon

Chef Boulud prefers guinea hens for this recipe, but we found free-range chicken to be a worthy substitute.

Begin making the coleslaw two days ahead and the whitefish one day ahead. Pour a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir with dinner.

These beets would be a great way to liven up simple roasted meats such as pork and chicken.

A lovely do-ahead pasta salad for spring.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We took an old favorite and reserved the usual proportions of spinach and mushrooms to create Mushroom Spinach Salad With Tarragon Egg Dressing. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cold pea soup is a classic spring starter for a sophisticated English dinner. While mint is the time-honored herb of choice, tarragon makes for an appealing change.

Nice with steak, chicken or fish.

This do-ahead main-course strata is simply a savory bread pudding. Pour a Pinot Blanc or Viognier throughout the meal.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Delicious with seafood and veggies.

Shrimp or sea scallops would also work well in this recipe. Serve with: Grilled plum tomatoes, herbed orzo salad, and grilled French bread.

The William Archer play The Green Goddess had a run in San Francisco in the 1920s. Star George Arliss, dining at the Palace Hotel, was served a specially created salad with this green-hued dressing.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr