Parsley

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

If you can't find fresh lobsters, frozen lobster meat can be used.

The flavors of gremolata — the garnish of finely chopped lemon peel, parsley, and garlic that traditionally tops osso buco — are terrific with asparagus. The asparagus can be blanched and chilled one day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In a traditional Seder meal, bitter herbs — sometimes including parsley — represent the bitter experience of slavery. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

The secret to garlic bread that's neither too greasy nor too dry is having the correct proportion of butter to bread, so we give specific dimensions for the Italian loaf. If yours is a different size, you'll need to adjust the amount of garlic butter accordingly.

This dip was inspired by a recipe for bissara, a garlicky purée from Egypt made from dried broad beans, in Claudia Roden's Mediterranean Cookery.

Pasta with shellfish is an old Italian tradition. Have crusty bread on hand to serve.

You can use small manila clams or cherrystones if you can't get cockles. You can also use mussels, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter.

Flat-leaf parsley is also known as Italian parsley. It's not only a different shape than curly-leaf parsley but also has a stronger flavor.

Cut and toss the avocado garnish in lemon juice just before serving to prevent discoloration. Then sprinkle it over the top without tossing, or the salad will be mushy.

This easy-to-make dish combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the briny essence of capers.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Broiling the eggplant gives it a delicious deep roasted flavor.

Add canned white tuna (packed in water) for a delicious main course. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Healthy bonus: Vitamin C and beta-carotene from the squash