Fish

Country bread and a salad of thickly sliced tomatoes sprinkled with oil, vinegar and crumbled bacon complete the supper. Strawberry tarts make a lovely finale.

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

Serve with: Tartar sauce, potatoes au gratin, and a spinach salad with cider vinaigrette. Dessert: Chocolate pudding.

Serve this simple-to-prepare pasta with crusty bread and a glass of Italian rosé (called rosato) or Pinot Grigio.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The Dijon mustard in the dressing gives this easy salad extra kick

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The salmon can be grilled two ways. The first method requires a fish-grilling basket, which can be found at many cookware and barbecue stores (use one that's about 18 by 6 inches for this recipe). The second technique doesn't call for any special equipment at all — just a rimless baking sheet and a spatula.

In the early part of the decade, an appreciation of Asian flavors, a desire for spa-style cuisine, and the popularity of sushi dovetailed with the creation of this appetizer, usually prepared with raw salmon or tuna. The dish is now found on restaurant menus nationwide. This version, which calls for smoked salmon, features a wonderful combination of Pacific Rim flavors.

Rajas is the Spanish word for "strips," and in the Mexican kitchen it generally refers to strips of chile. Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr