Feta

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. We like to serve this feta on crackers as an hors d'oeuvre. Thinly sliced into single-serving portions, it also makes a lovely sweet-yet-savory dessert.

See how to <epi:recipelink id="">devein shrimp</epi:recipelink>.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A favorite accompaniment is the rice-shaped pasta called orzo.

This rich, slightly smoky sauce is cooked for only ten minutes.

Right now is the absolute peak of tomato season, and this attractive salad is an excellent way to show off the crop.

A growing interest in Middle Eastern food, spurred most likely by the vegetarian movement, brought tabbouleh to the attention of many Americans. It was often served as a side dish at health food restaurants.

Antoinette Muto of Los Angeles, California, writes: "My business partner and I own a company that makes costumes for the film industry. When we are involved in a huge project — as we were with Minority Report and X2 — we work very long days, and sometimes even on weekends. So I don't have much time to cook or even to go out for lunch or dinner. That's when my no-fiddling cooking style comes in handy. I cut corners when I can — without sacrificing flavor. I prepare all-vegetarian meals, using the freshest ingredients from the farmers' market, and I really get a kick out of seeing people come over to my house and not miss the meat one bit." Look for soft lavash — a large, thin rectangular bread (about 18x12 inches) — in Middle Eastern markets or in the bread section of most supermarkets. Two 11- to 12-inch- diameter flour tortillas can be substituted.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Fresh mint and lemon peel are combined with feta and chevre in this topping. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A colorful and unusual first course.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Borekas -savory pastries made of phyllo dough- are part of the culinary heritage of Israeli Jews of Turkish and Bulgarian backgrounds. Falafel is the most popular street food in Israel, but borekas run a close second. This sophisticated version of the dish makes a delicious appetizer.