Quick

Cheesy with a shortbread-like texture, these biscuits are addictive and would pair nicely with beer.

Because it's such a tender cut, pork tenderloin is relatively quick-cooking—and it's impressive to serve. Add steamed rice to complete the meal.

Why get takeout when you can make orange chicken so quickly at home?

Supermarket roast chicken can be easily dressed up, as in this lovely salad. Look for almond oil at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

This ultra-simple recipe relies on fresh, good-quality wild salmon. If you like, sprinkle the fish with some chopped fresh herbs or a little freshly grated lemon peel before roasting.

Sangria is traditionally made with red wine. In this version, rosé gives the drink a pretty pink blush. If you prefer a stronger drink, mix in some light rum.

A sprinkling of pepitas (pumpkin seeds) adds color and crunch to this delicious side dish.

Serve with warm tortillas. 1 pound fresh crabmeat, picked over, patted dry

Don't be tempted to buy precrumbled goat cheese, despite the time savings—it won't melt as well.

Japchae is traditionally made for parties or celebrations, but I like to make it for a light lunch or part of a big dinner. Dried sweet potato noodles can be found in most Asian supermarkets. They are incredibly chewy but healthy and delicious. This recipe works as a side dish (banchan) or can even be served as an appetizer or light snack.

Although this is a chilled beverage, it is traditionally enjoyed in the winter. The "fire" of the cinnamon and ginger is supposed to warm you up, while the coolness of the beverage balances the heat. Not being much of a traditionalist, I like to make it during the summer and keep pitchers of it available as an alternative to iced tea.

A meal this romantic calls for a sparkling cocktail. This pretty and delicious drink is a new take on the classic Kir Royale, a mixture of Champagne and black-currant liqueur. Here, Prosecco (the Italian bubbly) stands in for the Champagne, and peach nectar and liqueur are used instead of crème de cassis.

This recipe calls for aged Sherry (instead of vinegar), which gives the dressing an added kick.

One 16-ounce container of ricotta is enough for this recipe and leftovers.

Start steaming some rice right after you preheat the barbecue to make this a complete meal.

Be sure to buy four extra cups of spinach if you plan to make the frittata.

There's no oil in this easy main course and, if you'd like to make it even healthier, low-fat or nonfat yogurt can be used instead of the whole-milk variety. Round out the meal with dal (Indian-style lentils) or some sautéed spinach. The yogurt marinade is also great for chicken.

The dip gets better the longer it sits, so make it a day ahead.

This recipe makes enough salad for a picnic in the park, or to pack in your lunch all week.