Prune

Grating the carrots in a processor makes this one-dish meal really easy to assemble.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Kind of a cross between a steamed pudding and a brownie, this rich-tasting dessert has only 1 tablespoon of added fat.

This tsimmes created by Chef Lenard Rubin of the Phoenician Club in Phoenix, Arizona, is so good that I sometimes serve it alone without stuffing it into the chilies.

Miss Toklas frightens her readers when she says this dish takes four days to prepare. Actually, the labor involved is insignificant.

Raw sugar melts easily and makes a nice crunchy topping on the custards.

Think of a plate of pancakes and maple syrup with sage-seasoned sausage patties: This dish has that same mix of satisfying, sweet-savory flavors. Start preparing the strata one day ahead; it needs to be refrigerated overnight before baking.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Serve with: Steaks, burgers, sausages, pork, duck, or salmon. Combine with: Sautéed greens (such as escarole). Use as: A topping for thin-crust pizza sprinkled with Gorgonzola.

The pastry for this tart is very light and crisp. For best results, handle it as little as possible and keep it cool. You will need a 12 1/2- by 1-inch fluted round tart pan with a removable bottom, available at cookware shops and by mail order from Bridge Kitchenware, tel. (800) 274-3435 or (212) 838-1901.

A hearty sweet and savory stew that's a perfect seasonal meal when teamed up with crusty bread and a green salad.

For a great one-dish meal, serve this rich stew over rice. If you want to make it even more authentic, use couscous, a small grain-shaped pasta that is often found in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. It's available at many supermarkets and specialty foods stores.

This can be prepared one day ahead, making the seder day much easier. Serve steamed broccoli on the side.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr (includes cooling)

In this version of the classic holiday dessert, a croissant bread pudding is steamed in the oven instead of on the stove top. Ignite the finished product in front of the guests for maximum effect.