Gourmet

This recipe was created to accompany Chilled Tarragon Tomato Soup with Vegatable Confetti . 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.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Provençal Basil Sauce) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cooking rhubarb to the right consistency is trickier than you might think — it changes from barely tender to falling apart in a matter of seconds. Watch it carefully while it's poaching. In this recipe you’ll need to boil the rhubarb syrup to the "soft-ball stage." To determine this, just drop a small amount of syrup into a cup of cold water. If you can form it into a sticky lump that flattens when pressed, it has reached the right consistency. This technique is especially useful with small amounts of syrup, from which it can be difficult to obtain an accurate temperature reading with a thermometer.

If you are using salted pistachios, omit the 1/4 teaspoon salt in the ingredient list.

This is a refreshing and fast adults-only dessert for any summer meal. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Crisp roasted potatoes with rosemary are a good accompaniment to this elegant but easy dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We topped these rolls with a combination of plain tobiko (flying-fish roe) as well as seasoned and wasabi-flavored tobiko and golden whitefish caviar. The specialty tobiko and caviar are available from the mail-order source given below.

I've learned that garnishing soup can turn an everyday first course into something elegant. This cream goes particularly well with lentil soup and puréed carrot soup. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.