Vegan

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Asian cucumber ribbon salad can fill a pita pocket — with other ingredients or on its own — or it can accompany fish or meat as a side dish.

A purchased Asian noodle salad and crisp rice crackers are perfect with this meatless meal. Finish with slim wedges of cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries.

This recipe has been in the family of senior editor Randi Danforth for generations. Her great-grandmother bought penny sponge candy to take to the movies in Minnesota. A love for the crunchy sweet led to recipe experiments in the kitchen. Randi recalls watching her mother make this magical confection--the baking soda causes vigorous bubbling. Pack it in jars or airtight tins, and store at room temperature; exposure to moisture and air will soften the candy.

An easy sparkling wine cocktail, made with a touch of black currant liqueur.

For good Nasi Goreng, the rice should be cooked 2-3 hours before it is fried, so that it has time to become cold.

A colorful, aromatic rice that is good with the Spicy Lamb Stew with Apricots and Cardamom, or with broiled chicken, fish or vegetables.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Halibut steaks and pork tenderloin are two of our favorites with this fiery side.