Broccoli/Broccolini

Rick Rodgers, cookbook author and teacher, says, "When planning my holiday menu, I'm always sure to include a green vegetable for its bright color and clean flavor, and this year that vegetable is going to be broccoli. But it's not enough to serve it plain or too simply, because that's not what a big-time food fest like Thanksgiving is all about. So I decided to add a luxury ingredient—porcini mushrooms. Now that makes an ordinary vegetable extraordinary."

This dish is ideal for entertaining, because you can prepare the sauce ahead and then simply toss it with the cooked pasta. Do not overcook the shrimp!

Pad Pak Khana This vegetable is more about leaves and stalks than its namesake cousin. It also has a sweeter flavor and juicier stems. All those green buds eventually blossom into white flowers, so when you're at the market, be sure to look for those with only a few open flowers — and the thinner the stalk, the better. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Pretty and delicious, this pasta has plenty of vegetables, lots of snap and crunch, and a terrific Asian-style peanut sauce.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An easy side dish with a bit of Asian flavor.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Because of its solid, chewy texture, tempeh (which is made from soybeans and grains) is a good meat substitute.

Hearty fare from Auberge Sauvignon. Filet mignon is used instead of a cheaper cut, but the result is worth it.

Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is always sold flowering, though its buds are usually still closed.

The peppers can be roasted and the broccoli blanched a day ahead, leaving just the sautéing to do before serving. This dish is equally delicious served right off the stove or at room temperature.