Green Bean

Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 3 1/2 hr (includes making stock)

For a thicker, more traditional soup, replace all the green peas with a half cup of drained canned white beans.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The walnut oil adds a distinctive flavor here. You can substitute olive oil and just sprinkle toasted walnuts over each serving.

Begin with cups of chicken broth simmered briefly with slivers of lemongrass and accented with a dash of chili oil. Complement the stir-fry with rice pilaf. End with sliced mango and pineapple topped with green tea ice cream and toasted coconut.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Potato salad gets perked up with herbs, vegetables and a terrific dressing. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 25 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Now and again all a recipe requires to embitter a child is one fatal ingredient. My siblings tell me that they recall Hamburger Pie as a kid-friendly favorite. I dreaded it. Spying its mashed-potato crust through the oven window, I always groaned. Today my stomach still sinks with recollection, and here's why: sliced green beans from a can. Yes, they're fast, but can anyone defend the taste, texture, or color of canned green beans? My sister has tried to gussy up this dish, and I'm sure you can find many hoity-toity versions (usually called Shepherd's Pie). But here, taken from the brittle pages of her kitchen scrapbook, is the very recipe my mom prepared for her ungrateful son. Everything in it could be found in our house on any day. Mothers take note: This recipe would allow fresh green beans, cooked. Unless, of course, your little epicure insists on canned!

The almonds and crisp green beans lend good crunch. For a light lunch, serve this with French bread and a fruit salad.

Green beans go upscale in this fresh take on a favorite Thanksgiving dish.