Burger

A cold couscous salad and steamed carrots sprinkled with mint would be lovely alongside. Finish with baklava.

A mixture of ground sirloin and ground chuck works best for these. (Don't use lean or extra-lean meat — the burgers won't be nearly as juicy.) Cold beer is the perfect accompaniment, so put bottles of Indian pale ale on ice; for guests who prefer wine, pour a fruity Beaujolais.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This quick, casual recipe endows beef burgers with the flavors of a great pizza.

Potato chips are a great accompaniment. Finish with sliced bananas topped with brown sugar, cream and white rum. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Many years ago there was a health food restaurant on Hollywood's famed Sunset Strip named The Aware Inn. It was the first to make hamburgers, called "Swingers," stuffed with a mix of onions, tomatoes, and green peppers — almost a salsa except it was sandwiched between the meat. They tasted so good, we have been preparing hamburgers this way ever since.

Fill your plate with corn on the cob, sweet-potato chips, and dill pickles. For dessert, have watermelon wedges and sugar cookies.

Serve with: A black bean salad and burger toppings like pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. Hamburger buns are optional. Dessert: Dulce de leche ice cream and sliced strawberries.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Instead of burger buns, we like to serve the lamb with lentil and rice salad and fresh greens. Of course, the burgers are equally delicious the traditional way. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Serve with: Grilled herbed potato slices and a salad of mixed baby greens and chopped beefsteak tomatoes, dressed with a red-wine vinaigrette. Dessert: Purchased plum tart with whipped crème fraîche.