Onion

For convenience, the lamb can be prepared one day ahead, then slowly rewarmed before you plan to serve it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Begin this dish early in the day to allow the polenta to set.

If the four-inch tortillas used at Café Iguana in Denver, Colorado, are hard to find, the standard five- to six-inch ones also work, or they can be trimmed to the smaller size.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A quick and easy side dish that goes well with roast chicken, turkey or pork chops.

Most people never think about cooking cucumber—especially since that crisp, raw crunch is so perfect for salads and canapés. But cucumber acquires a wonderful velvety texture when cooked and puréed, and this soup shows it off beautifully. Even better, the flavor and color of this soup are at their best when it is warm, not hot, which takes some of the stress out of serving ten guests.

This variation on the Chinese classic incorporates jícama, which retains the crisp texture of water chestnuts even when cooked.

Chiles Anchos Rellenos de Atún con Papas This is more sweet than spicy, because the chiles are softened in brown sugar and vinegar before stuffing.

Use this stock to prepare Chicken with Parsley and Thyme Stuffing and Roasted Potatoes .