Dairy

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A dessert worthy of the finest steak houses in Chicago, Denver or New York. White chocolate and milk chocolate filling and a bittersweet chocolate frosting give a sophisticated spin to an American favorite.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Broiled eggplant, roasted red onions, potatoes, bell peppers and zucchini are tossed with radicchio, arugula and a tangy mustard vinaigrette in this colorful salad. A sprinkling of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese is the finishing touch.

Fontina cheese is available at cheese shops and some supermarkets.

Pears and Gorgonzola are a classic combination in Italy; here they team up in a unique pasta recipe. To make this intriguing dish even heartier, toss in some diced ham or cooked chicken.

This is the Rolls-Royce of bran muffin recipes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe is from my favorite grandmother, DeeDee. According to my mother, it has many variations, and my grandmother always served it with great presentation at parties, family dinners, and ladies luncheons. The recipe has high stakes: You get but one chance when you unmold it. Just recently I recall overhearing my mother exclaim "Damn!" as she was getting the salad ready for yet another meal. It was runny — not enough time in the refrigerator.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be increased to serve any number of hungry people as a main course or appetizer. Chopped olives, chopped red or green bell peppers and kidney beans are also good in this dish.

This dish known, as pastitsatha, is one that evolved from Corfu to stretch scant supplies of meat. Consisting of chicken, turkey, beef or veal braised in tomato sauce fragrant with spices, it is served over thick tubular pasta from Corfu called "perciatellli" (if you can't find it, use spaghetti). Kefalotyri is a nutty tasting hard cheese similar to Parmesan. It is available at Greek markets.

Remarkably easy and delicious dumplings that are similar to Italian gnocchi. Serve these with grilled meat or sausage.