Arugula

Roasted Beets with Walnut Gorgonzola Dressing

Unfortunately, beets are not on the top-ten list of favorite foods for many people. Most people hate them because they've only eaten them boiled or canned, but I was fortunate enough to try the real thing at an early age. So they're on my top-ten list, and this recipe might just be a great way to get them on yours. The roasting brings out the sweetness and intensifies the depth of flavor that is lost when you boil. Once you roast a beet, you'll never go back. Don't throw away the beet greens: braise or sauté them if they are large, or add them to salad greens if they are small. The rich, thick Walnut Gorgonzola Dressing is also great on burgers or grilled portobello mushrooms or mixed into greens.

Linguine with Pecan Arugula Pesto

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

Lobster, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad

If you don't want to cook a live lobster for this recipe, buy 2/3 pound cooked lobster meat from your seafood shop. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr (includes chilling)

Mustard-Roasted Chicken Legs on Arugula

The mustard flavor in the arugula accentuates the mustard on the chicken. Serve the chicken with the orange, radish, and olive salad .

Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aïoli

"The bruschetta topped with portobello mushrooms and caramelized onions at Tapas 177 is one of the best things I've eaten in this town," writes Laurence Schacht of Rochester, New York. "I'd like to re-create this dish at home for my friends." The restaurant-style results of this recipe are worth the effort. Use roasted red peppers from a jar instead of roasting fresh ones, if desired, and note the do-ahead steps.

Potato, Italian Sausage, and Arugula Salad

Goat Cheese-Arugula Ravioli with Tomato-Pancetta Butter

This is a great entrée for entertaining or for a special weeknight dinner for your family. Either way, no one except you will know how easy it is to make. And your secret is safe with us.

Roast Beef Sandwiches with Horseradish Mayonnaise

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Buy some pickles and a grilled mixed vegetable salad or a great potato salad to go with this quick main course. Complete the menu with cherry tarts à la mode.

Pizza Bianca with Prosciutto, Arugula, and Parmesan

Called bianca, or "white," because they are sauceless, these crispy pizzas are the essence of clean flavor. The toppings are added after the crusts come out of the oven, melting the cheese slightly. This recipe makes two round pizzas or four rectangular ones.