Starter

Arborio is a short-grain Italian rice that is one of four varieties typically used for risotto in Italy-the other three are Baldo, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano. Arborio can be found at Italian markets here, and is becoming increasingly available at supermarkets.

Japan meets Morocco in this inventive dish. For a light coating, don’t overmix the tempura batter: A few lumps of flour are O.K. Find preserved lemons at a specialty foods store, or use the grated peel of a regular lemon.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Serve this lowfat dip with healthy dippers, such as Armenian cracker bread, sliced red bell pepper, carrot sticks and cauliflower and broccoli florets.

A creamy "comfort" soup that has plenty of richness without a lot of cream.

These rice-filled grape leaves are a classic Greek appetizer.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If desired, this soup may also be served cold‑chill soup in a bowl set in another bowl of ice and cold water, stirring, about 20 minutes. 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.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Teamed with pita bread triangles and a variety of raw vegetables, this Middle Eastern dip makes a great snack or hors d'oeuvre for a dinner party. Tahini is available at natural foods stores and some supermarkets.

The following is our own recipe for shrimp De Jonghe, the Chicago specialty. All recipes for shrimp De Jonghe are pretty much the same, the major variable being the amount of garlic used-from one to five cloves, depending on whether you want it to taste like a dainty, ladies' lunch kind of dish or a hearty casserole.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This earthy pasta dish is delicious made with the wide, long noodles called pappardelle, or with the thinner and more readily available fettuccine.