Blue Cheese

In this recipe, the word biscuit refers to a savory cracker.

Larry Leichtman of Phoenix, Arizona, writes: "Thirteen years ago, I sold my business in Los Angeles and moved to Phoenix. One of the first things my neighbors discovered about me was that I love to cook. We get together often, and I'm usually the one in the kitchen. Being the cook means never having to do the dishes." Serve with crackers or baguette rounds.

Smaller brussels sprouts are especially pretty in this dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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.

"Five years ago, I threw my first dinner party," writes Kristin McGill of Chicago, Illinois. "It was a memorable night with good friends, great food and lots of wine. That night, cooking became my passion. Now even after a long day at the office, I look forward to making dinner for my husband, Henry, and myself. That’s because for me whipping up a meal at the end of the day has become the perfect stress reliever." A perfect party hors d’oeuvre or accompaniment to soup or the Bibb Lettuce, Avocado, and Dried Cranberry Salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

All you need to complete the meal is a simple green salad and your favorite Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.