Bacon

A perfect accompaniment for cocktails. Most of the prep work here can be done ahead.

Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches with Parmesan Cream Sauce and Bacon

Cobb salad was created at the Brown Derby, which opened in Los Angeles in 1926. Owner Robert Cobb placed diced vegetables, chicken and cheese on a bed of greens, and topped it all with his French dressing. Most of the ingredients for this recipe can be found at supermarket salad bars.

This recipe is adapted from George Lang's book The Cuisine of Hungary.

This recipe—inspired by a similar dish served at the fabulously fast-paced lunch counter Cal Pep, in Barcelona, Spain—is terrific with pork chops or roast chicken. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Mashed Plantains with Crispy Salt Pork The crisp pieces of salt pork-known in Cuba as chicharrónes-give this dish its distinctive flavor.

The sweet oranges and the smoky bacon in this salad balance the gentle bitterness of the radicchio; the pecans give the whole thing a nutty crunch.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 45 min

Turn this into a bona fide supper with hash brown potatoes, and a marinated artichoke heart and cherry tomato salad. Baked apples à la mode complete the menu.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.