Roast

This is a nice appetizer; serve it with toasted pita wedges or Italian bread.

At her restaurant, Lynch includes black truffle in the vinaigrette for this salad, but it's so flavorful as it is that we didn't feel the truffle was necessary.

"I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Restaurant Claes Claesz, an intimate place located in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam," writes Gretchen Method of Northville, Michigan. "Their cream of parsnip soup was simply wonderful. Could you get the recipe?" There is no cream in this soup—pureeing the ingredients creates the silky texture.

This simple side dish is even easier to prepare if you roast the beets the day before you plan to serve them.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Broiled eggplant, roasted red onions, potatoes, bell peppers and zucchini are tossed with radicchio, arugula and a tangy mustard vinaigrette in this colorful salad. A sprinkling of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese is the finishing touch.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Be sure to start the brisket at least a day before you plan on serving it - although it can be made up to three days ahead.

Can be made in 45 minutes or less.

Serve these sensational ribs with an avocado, citrus and red onion salad, some cold beer - and plenty of napkins.