Herbs & Spices

This spice rub is also great with chicken. Team the steaks with a salad of boiled green beans and quartered radishes, and offer some favorite beer.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a particularly light and crunchy coating we used panko (coarse Japanese bread crumbs) on these crab cakes rather than regular bread crumbs. Panko is increasingly available in this country, not only in Asian markets but also in seafood shops.

For this recipe, the lamb chops are frenched all the way down to the eye of the meat-which involves completely trimming the layers of fat and thin layer of meat that surround the eye and scraping the bones clean of fat and meat. You may want to have this done by your butcher.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If whole blanched almonds aren't available, substitute whole raw almonds with skin on.

Although Bonfire is known for its meat dishes prepared in various global styles, the restaurant's taco bar is where the small plates trend is stoked.

Farmers' markets offer the widest selection of fresh baby potatoes, but if you can't find golf-ball-size versions of any of the varieties in this recipe, simply purchase large potatoes and cut them into 1 1/2-inch pieces.

Here's a unique and delicious accompaniment to grilled lamb, chicken or fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

"I'm a social worker running my own practice," writes Susan Haskell of Boston, Massachusetts. "In addition, I'm getting a doctorate in social work. So most of my time is spent either working with patients or writing my dissertation. Still, no matter what's on my schedule, nothing can stop me from going into the kitchen. During the week, I make the time to pore over food magazines to find recipes I want to try. On Saturdays, I cook for friends — because next to cooking, sharing the results is my favorite thing to do." Susan says this can also be made with fresh cherries, sliced peaches, nectarines, or pears.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This lovely and satisfying main course uses light coconut milk, Thai red curry paste and jalapeño chili for lots of flavor and spice.

Cuban-Style Roast Pork

This entrée is excellent for summer entertaining. It's even better — and easier — if you place the meat in the marinade a day in advance. Accompany with steamed white rice to catch the juices.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.