Blender

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"I literally didn't know how to boil an egg until I was in my 20s — when I tried to impress a guy by making dinner for him," writes Sally Siegel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "I didn't have much success with the dinner or the guy, but I regrouped and put together a repertoire of fairly elegant dishes I felt confident making. Luckily, my husband, Loren, likes to cook as much as I do, so we really work as a team when we give dinner parties. We're both real estate agents, and we like to entertain clients — we've made some great friends by selling houses to them." Silky and light, this blender soup would make a delicate summer starter. Bonus: It comes together very quickly.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using a handheld blender to puree the soup right in the pot makes it easier to prepare. If the celery root is stringy, press the soup through a strainer.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Lisa Amundsen of Vancouver, British Columbia, writes: "On a recent trip to New York City, my husband and I stayed near Amy's Bread bakery. We sampled their excellent selection of breads, sandwiches, and sweets. We especially loved the grilled cheese sandwich. It was a little tangy, a little spicy, and altogether wonderful."

Plantain Soup This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Frangipane is a classic pastry filling with ground almonds. Here, pistachios are also added. Both the pastry and the filling can be made one day before baking.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.