Radish

You can make the soufflés 4 hours ahead (keep at room temperature). Put in a 375°F oven for 8 minutes to reheat. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 hr

The delicate grapeseed oil in the dressing allows all the delicious flavors to come out. Regular vegetable oil can be substituted.

A lightened version of a first course that traditionally precedes choucroute garnie.

This pretty and refreshing soup - flavored with curry, cumin, ginger and garlic-is quick to prepare: Just put everything in the blender and puree it.

Ficelle, a slender demi-baguette available mostly from artisanal bakeries, makes elegant slices, but any narrow French baguette will work. For added indulgence, use a European-style butter such as Plugrá or Insigny St.-Mère. What to drink: Brut Champagne (or sparkling wine) sets a festive tone and can be poured throughout the meal.

We've taken the French tradition of eating radishes with salt and butter (which tames the vegetable's bite) just a step farther. Serve the beurre blanc and salt in small individual dishes so guests can dip as they like. This fresh, springtime hors d'oeuvre would be well matched with steak or grilled fish.

Grated black radish salad is exquisite too. Try it with the most common black radish in the U.S. (Raphanus sativus), which is round and has a similar flavor and texture to Raphanus sativus niger.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.