Goat Cheese

Buy steaks that are at least 1 1/4 inches thick; that way, they can be seared without getting overdone. The Mediterranean-flavored butter adds a great taste accent. Also offer mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, and drink a Burgundy or Pinot Noir.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Great as an appetizer or a light lunch dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe is inspired by our trip to London aboard the Eurostar. The light, delicate sauce, which I make with fresh goat cheese from the market in Louviers, is perfect with freshly steamed asparagus (preferably white, though it is wonderful with green as well). If you can't find fresh goat cheese you may make this with fresh cow's cheese — the flavor will be different but as delectable.

(Provençal Tuna and Vegetable Sandwich)

Terrific with roast chicken, lamb or steak.

This strata is ideal for Christmas morning — it is assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving. Mimosas are a nice addition to the menu.

An appealing dish from Matt's in the Market in Seattle, Washington.

Except for the Parmesan cheese, which is pretty much a requirement, this ultra-cheesy cousin of fettuccine Alfredo can be made with any number of four-cheese combinations.

Most of the work on this dish is done the day before, leaving plenty of time in the morning for opening presents or simply sleeping in.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Piping the filling into the potato shells with a pastry bag makes an attractive presentation. You can also just spoon in the filling and crosshatch the top with the tines of a fork.

"This favorite was inspired by my wife's penchant for sweet onions and mine for bitter greens," says Joe Archibald of Kensington, Connecticut. "The creaminess of the chèvre is set off nicely by the tartness of the vinegar." Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

This vegetarian main highlights roasted carrots two ways: glazed as the center of the Wellington, and blended to form the tender filling.