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The secret to this Chinese favorite is not to let the noodles sit in the sauce very long — toss them together a few seconds before serving.

"For me, cooking is a very relaxing and creative process — I just wish I had more time for it," writes Katherine Burk of Seattle, Washington. "I make a point of fixing dinner during the week, but with my hectic schedule (I work in information technology), there are some nights I'm too wiped out to attempt anything more complicated than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Usually, though, I can put something together — my spicy black bean soup, for example — in under thirty minutes." A southwestern favorite, simplified: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples.

For this soup, cook your favorite winter squash.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

These rolls are based loosely on b'stilla — a phyllo-crusted "pie" of shredded chicken that's been simmered with Moroccan spices and then mixed with egg and nuts. The egg lends the filling an almost custard-like richness.

Yukon Gold potatoes cut into one-inch pieces can be substituted.

Serve as a first course on a bed of arugula or as a side dish with grilled beef or chicken.

The riper the tomatoes, the better the flavor of this delicate consommé. To clarify it, we've used the traditional French method of creating an egg-white "raft," which attracts particles from the simmering broth and is then discarded. Though the consommé is served cold, it is not jellied.

This chutney is great with sautéed scallops, grilled shrimp, or grilled lamb. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Serve with: Leaves of romaine lettuce (for wrapping up scoops of salad) and flatbread.

The honey is optional because some carrots are sweeter than others. Taste the salad, then decide whether to drizzle.

The lamb in this recipe is blanched to make a light-colored stew. Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Plantains are a staple in Latino cuisine, but mangu, made with green plantains, is a Dominican specialty.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

Using frozen puff pastry for the crust makes this quiche-like tart super-easy.

Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes with Kale ) and steamed asparagus tossed with lemon juice strike the right note alongside this braised beef dish. Rhubarb pie from the bakery is our choice for dessert.