Dairy

Use this dressing on hardy salad greens, such as romaine or spinach.

The apple-essence syrup is brushed over the cake to infuse it with flavor and make it extra-moist. If you prefer, substitute apple cider for the brandy.

The broth that accumulates at the bottom of this casserole is delicious spooned over the vegetables. Robiola, a fresh, rindless cheese from Italy's Piedmont, has a tangy richness that makes the dish particularly distinctive.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Here’s a quick and satisfying starter.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

"Moist and pretty in color when blackberry, currant, or some such jam was used, [jam cake] was a favorite with pioneer women, for it kept well," James Beard wrote in his American Cookery (Little Brown, 1972). The only thing more that might be said about jam cake is that it is delicious.

Partially freezing the tenderloin after searing it makes slicing easier.

(TORTINO DI PATATE ALLA PARMIGIANA) Gratins made from potatoes and other vegetables have long been a part of the country cooking around Parma. Here's a rich one that takes advantage of a star ingredient: Parmesan cheese. The dish is often served during Lent or on other meatless days.

It may be corn season, but canned or frozen corn kernels work just as well as fresh in this corn salad. A mixed green salad rounds out the menu nicely.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

(INVOLTINI DI VITELLO CON PECORINO E ACETO BALSAMIC)

Here's the traditional Irish soda bread—just flour, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, and optional caraway seeds. For traditional brown soda bread, substitute whole-wheat flour for part, or all, of the all-purpose flour called for in the recipe.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

If you can't find the Moroccan spice blend at the supermarket, combine 1 tablespoon ground cumin with 1/4 teaspoon each of ground coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Serve with: Romaine salad and bowls of mixed green and black olives. Dessert: Purchased apricot tart.