5 Ingredients or Fewer

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The empanadas can be put together ahead of time and popped into the oven to bake just before serving.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Corn muffins, coleslaw and boiled green beans round out the main course. Finish with peach pie à la mode.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Buy some carrot and celery sticks to dip into blue cheese dressing for a cool starter. Deli potato salad is good with the chicken, and classic southern ambrosia—sliced oranges with coconut—is a refreshing end.

With months to go before the summer tomato season, we've found that slow-roasting brings out the flavor of winter plum tomatoes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We found that using a blender to begin the emulsion process for aïoli is much faster than pounding by hand from start to finish, which is the traditional method. Once using the mortar, resist the impulse to add the oil quickly — it will cause the mixture to separate. All the slow stirring requires a strong arm, so you may want to recruit a friend to help (especially because you need to make the aïoli in two batches). Very fresh garlic is crucial to this recipe. Bulbs should have smooth, tight skin and be firm and heavy for their size, with no green shoots.

Tiny whole squash are used in this pretty accompaniment, so it is especially easy to eat at a buffet.

These are excellent with beet soup.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This foamy custard is a traditional Italian dessert. Delicious with no accompaniment at all, it's even better spooned over fresh fruit or served with biscotti. Be sure to have anything else you plan to serve with the zabaglione ready to go, as it really is best eaten just seconds off the stove.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can select any type of bottle you like for this citrus-scented spirit, but choosing a wide-neck one makes it a snap to place the citrus peel into the vodka. For easy gift wrapping, tie ribbons around the neck to match the colors of the peels. Tell the recipient to use the vodka in orange juice or lemonade, or shaken or stirred in a Martini, or to serve it ice-cold and straight up.

This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Chicken with Goat Cheese Stuffing, Peppers, Onions and Two Salsas. A little of this fiery sauce goes a long way. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe originally accompanied Sugar Snap Peas and Baby Carrots with Cauliflower-Leek Purée .

Martini fans will find that this simple and elegant appetizer goes perfectly with their favorite cocktail.