Gourmet

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This recipe originally accompanied Veal Scallops with Squash, Tomatoes, and Roasted-Garlic Basil Sauce.

Keep the fried shallots, dip, chips, and raw vegetables separately; just before digging in, top the dip with shallots.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

(Soy and Vinegar Marinated Cornish Hens)

Thai food lovers will recognize this soup as the classic tom yaam goong. In its homeland the dish would have far more hot chilies. We've toned down the heat for newcomers to this cuisine, but veterans can add more chilies to make this soup as incendiary as they wish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Posto, cardamom pods, and whole dried red chiles are available at Penzeys (800-741-7787; penzeys.com) and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451; kalustyans.com).

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. To accompany Ice-Cream Bombes with Brandied Dried Cranberries and Cherries

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.