Radicchio

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The vinaigrette for this salad benefits from standing for 1 hour to let the flavors of the thyme and garlic develop.

If you've never tried roasted cauliflower before, this dish will be a revelation.

For a prettier salad, we used two varieties of radicchio — the common Verona, with red leaves and white ribs, and Treviso, which can range from pink to red and has narrower, pointed leaves.

Radicchio di Treviso has long, narrow, pink-to-red leaves that are similar in taste to Belgian endive. It can be found in specialty food markets.

Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, this dish is perfect for an impromptu week-night dinner party.

The tender greens in this salad are a wonderful foil for blue cheeses.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using purchased pesto sauce makes this recipe a snap. For best flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.

These toasts are also delicious without the foie gras or with a slice of country pâté substituted for the foie gras.

Arborio is a short-grain Italian rice that is one of four varieties typically used for risotto in Italy-the other three are Baldo, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano. Arborio can be found at Italian markets here, and is becoming increasingly available at supermarkets.

At the Fifth Floor, this is prepared with quail. Game hens make an easy-to-find substitute.

"This favorite was inspired by my wife's penchant for sweet onions and mine for bitter greens," says Joe Archibald of Kensington, Connecticut. "The creaminess of the chèvre is set off nicely by the tartness of the vinegar." Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr