Pea

Roasted peppers, marinated olives and artichoke hearts make good antipasti. Afterward, sprinkle melon slices with chopped fresh mint, and pass amaretti cookies.

'50s I LOVE LUCY When Ricky and Fred switch roles with Lucy and Ethel ("Job Switching" first aired on September 15, 1952), Ricky decides he wants to make his native Cuban arroz con pollo for dinner. You know there's going to be trouble when Ricky asks Fred if a pound of rice per person sounds right — and sure enough, before long, mountains of rice are bubbling out of a pot, and chicken is exploding from a pressure cooker. Here's a tamer approach. Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Ever wonder how soybeans turn into smooth, creamy tofu? First, the beans are pressed to extract soy milk, which is then curdled. The curds are drained, pressed, and cut into blocks of tofu.

There's no alternative to Chinese sausage—it's slightly sweet and very flavorful.

Lighter, brighter flavors make this old-fashioned salad new again.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

Ask your butcher to bone the veal for you. Start marinating it a day ahead.

Marinate thinly sliced radishes and sweet onions in a Sherry vinaigrette for a side salad. Serve coarsely mashed potatoes with the turkey, and for dessert, layer strawberry ice cream with sugared strawberries in large wineglasses.

Buckwheat noodles give this classic spring pasta dish a nifty twist. Uncork your favorite Chardonnay.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

It may seem odd that we use frozen green peas, but, sadly, even the best fresh ones can taste starchy by the time they make it to the supermarket. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

You can find the ethnic ingredients for this tasty one-dish meal in the oriental section of your supermarket.

We've suggested toasted French bread as an accompaniment to this soup, but bear in mind it is not included in our calorie count. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.