Chicken Breast

Set out black beans, rice, lettuce, salsa and hot flour tortillas to go with the chicken.

Any brand of curry paste, which comes in jars or plastic pouches, will be successful in this authentic-tasting curry. Serve the spicy chicken with rice pilaf and stir-fried broccoli; lemon frozen yogurt is a refreshing finale.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In the state of Yucatán in southeastern Mexico, lime soup is served on even the hottest days. The fresh taste of the cilantro and the sourness of the lime combine to give the soup plenty of zing.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. For a side dish, serve couscous mixed with sautéed red bell pepper, carrots and dill. Buy a strawberry tart to finish.

Serve buttered noodles, potato salad or rice pilaf alongside this entree.

Complete the main course with buttered sweet potato chunks (they can roast alongside the chicken) and sautéed Swiss chard. Serve purchased éclairs for dessert.

An adaptation of a recipe from Mexican Light Cooking by our friend Kathi Long, a chef and author in Santa Fe.