Onion

A versatile side dish that goes well with chicken, fish or pork. The recipe doubles or triples easily to feed a family, guests, or to freeze for use another time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. If you have Arborio rice on hand, use it in place of long-grained rice.

The low-fat mushroom ragout can also be served over toast points or as a side dish.

(Russian Potato-and-Cabbage Turnovers)

Top these tostadas with guacamole.

(Spicy Chicken Crêpes)

This is terrific brushed onto grilled chicken or ribs, or spread onto brisket or barbecued-pork sandwiches.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Chef Stratta prepares this satisfying sandwich for The Terrace Dining Room, Phoenix, Arizona.

Brian Polcyn of the Five Lakes Grill in Milford, Michigan, has updated this Mexican favorite by oven-roasting the stuffed chilies rather than coating them with batter and frying them. The chilies are presented on a bed of rich-tasting caramelized onions.

Fast-rising makes these moist, fragrant breads quick to prepare. Serve them warm, accompanied with butter or with olive oil for dipping.

These easy-to-make meatless sandwiches are nice for a picnic. Wrap them in plastic, and transport them in a cooler.

We've learned from experience that, because goose gives off so much fat in roasting, it's necessary to use a deep (at least 2 inches) roasting pan (do not use a non-stick pan). We also recommend using a metal bulb baster — the hot goose fat may melt a plastic one.