Rosemary

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

The Shakers, who once had a number of active communities in New England, were known for their creative use of fresh herbs in cooking and baking. This savory yeast bread is a typical example. It is delicious freshly baked or toasted the following day.

This simple marinade and a fast grilling bring out the best in a great cut of meat.

This South American version of beef steak is wonderfully good eating.

This recipe can be multiplied indefinitely.

Willinger uses a mechanical meat spit (called a girarrosto or spiedo) in her fireplace to make this dish. We found the meat just as delicious cooked in the oven.

Simple and low in fat.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 20 min

Here's a hearty and satisfying pasta that makes an easy entrée for a dinner party.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional sitting time. Butterflied leg of lamb can sometimes get a little unwieldy. To secure loose flaps of meat, run 2 long metal skewers lengthwise and 2 skewers crosswise through the lamb, bunching the meat together. Securing the lamb this way will also help it cook more evenly.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Fontina cheese and caponata (a chunky Sicilian eggplant relish available in cans or jars at most supermarkets) make a substantial sandwich. Have pasta salad as well; grapes and assorted bakery cookies complete the dinner. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve with: Toast (especially when cheddar omelets are on the menu), potato pancakes, waffles, pancakes, or French toast. Combine with: Crusty bread and blue cheese. Use as: A dessert topping for pound cake (serve with vanilla ice cream).