Carrot

There will be enough of this delicious make-ahead soup for seconds or leftovers.

Radicchio, snow peas and a tangy sesame oil dressing give an old-fashioned dish a delicious new flavor.

The peanut notes in this slaw remind us of the Indonesian skewered meat dish saté. As a result, we think grilled steak, shrimp, or pork would make a terrific main course as an alternative to the Hoisin Five-Spice Chicken Legs.

Pan-roasting the vegetables imparts an earthy sweetness to this dish.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

After making this flavorful dressing in the processor, we give it a whirl in the blender for the smoothest texture. Crisp iceberg lettuce stands up best to this thick dressing. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 15 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In this simplified version of raclette, one of Switzerland's classic dishes, Swiss cheese replaces raclette cheese, and the cheese is melted in individual portions instead of being scraped from a large wheel as it melts. This dish makes a terrific appetizer, or it can be served with a green salad.

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

Gah Yan Tsui writes, via gourmet.com: "I recently enjoyed a delicious lunch at Aquavit in New York City. Marcus Samuelsson makes an incredible mussel and carrot soup. Would it be possible to acquire the recipe?" This soup tastes much better when made with fresh carrot juice. If you don't have a juicer, you can get some at your nearest natural foods store. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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