Simmer

On a weekday, accompany this main course with breadsticks and marinated vegetables from the deli. Wrap up with grapes and cookies. For a festive occasion, start with an antipasto of olives and roasted vegetables, then serve an arugula, radicchio and toasted walnut salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Finish with an Italian fruit crostata.

Spicy and sophisticated.

"A friend served my homemade pear chutney at her dinner party, and everyone thought it was an unusual and delicious accompaniment for chicken," says Susan Banks of Seattle, Washington.

Works well as part of a vegetarian meal or as an accompaniment to meat or fowl.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. A mild-tasting soup that's smooth and rich.

Eating your spinach (and radicchio) has never been more pleasant.

Here's a warming drink for a chilly day.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. The coconut milk can be found in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Saltines and a salad of romaine, spinach and red bell peppers tossed with vinaigrette are all that’s needed to complete the entrée. Boston cream pie is just right for dessert.

This recipe is from Cafe Annie in Houston, TX.

This sorbet has summer in every bite. Be sure to use very ripe apricots, and don't neglect the lemon juice. The sorbet is best eaten right after it is made.