5 Ingredients or Fewer

A long cooking time for collard greens is a southern tradition. We sliver ours, then sauté them only for 1 minute, which renders them crisp-tender but allows the greens to keep their color and full flavor.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

The secret to tender shortbread — a classic Scottish treat — is not overworking the dough.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Rhubarb Crisp with Buttermilk Ice Cream.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

It's common in Oaxaca to add mint to rice, adding a subtle herbal dimension.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min Servings: Serves 12 (as part of aïoli menu).

Why make your own pita when it's readily available at supermarkets? One bite of these, fresh and warm from the oven, will tell you exactly why. The dough is simple to make, and because the dough rounds are thin, they bake in less than 5 minutes. But if you don't have time to make your own, store-bought pita can be warmed, wrapped in foil, in a preheated 350°F oven.

A dash of curry powder transforms this cool fruit soup into a sweetly savory first course.

Refried beans are typically made from pinto beans, but black beans work well, too. Add a dab of sour cream if you crave a little richness.

You can bake this apple oatmeal crumble (with the oven rack in the upper third of the oven) and roast the tomatoes (on the rack in the lower third) for this low-fat menu at the same time.

A natural with pork, the compote is also a sweet topping for ice cream.

The chicken is redolent of garlic, but not overly so; cooking the garlic cloves whole in their skins keeps the flavors in balance. What to drink: A spicy red from Spain's Ribera del Duero region. Try the 2000 vintage from this appellation, known for its rich blends of Tempranillo, Cabernet, and Merlot.

This vinaigrette is great on any type of mixed green, pasta, or marinated vegetable salads. This recipe is an accompaniment for Tuscan White Bean Salad with Spinach, Olives, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.