Broccoli/Broccolini

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A hearty soup that's very low in fat.

Amy likes to make these for parties. Wonton wrappers can be found in the refrigerator section and rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

Leave it to the Italians to come up with such a delectable, imaginative way to round out a meal. Literally "cooked bread," pancotto is the cold-weather counterpart of panzanella, Italy's summer bread salad. Use the pan drippings from the from beef tenderloin to add richness.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 30 min

A relatively new item in the produce section, broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. It has a milder, sweeter taste than broccoli. Buy German potato salad, and braise red cabbage to serve warm with the open-face sandwiches. Gingerbread and chunky applesauce make a perfect finale.

Steamed cauliflower florets, broccoli florets and carrot slices are mixed with olives and tossed with a sun-dried tomato and oregano vinaigrette in this Italian-inspired starter "from the garden."

In this simplified version of raclette, one of Switzerland's classic dishes, Swiss cheese replaces raclette cheese, and the cheese is melted in individual portions instead of being scraped from a large wheel as it melts. This dish makes a terrific appetizer, or it can be served with a green salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This popular menu classic is even better when made at home. Variation: For a vegetarian entrée, use one 12-ounce package of firm or extra-firm tofu in place of the beef. Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and marinate as if using beef. Pork or chicken would also work for this recipe.

Boiling away the butter and seasonings from the leftover vegetables allows the flavors of the marinade to shine through. (If you don't have any leftover veggies, simply steam a mix of your favorites.)

A complete vegetarian main course, with fresh herbs and Moroccan accents.

Serve this dish with brown rice.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 50 min