Shallot

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For this rustic French meal, start with mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette; serve new potatoes tossed in butter and parsley with the beef; and end with plum tarts topped with whipped cream. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 or less but requires additional unattended time. (Pineapple and cucumber condiment.)

For an elegant dinner, just add a salad of Bibb lettuce and Belgian endive with walnut-oil vinaigrette, and pass a basket of warm French bread. A purchased apple tart makes a lovely finale.

An herb crust and special Zinfandel sauce give new meaning to the word flavorful. What to drink: A full-bodied, tannin-rich Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 3 1/2 hr (includes making stock)

A twist on hummus, this sunset-colored dip also makes a delicious sandwich spread. Allow time for soaking the beans overnight.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

Simplicity at its most comforting, this dish also makes a wonderful breakfast side.

This terrific combination is very nice with baked ham.

The rule for figuring out the proper amount of stuffing is easy to remember — approximately 1 cup per pound of bird. This works very well unless you want stuffing for only one meal, in which case this quantity is excessive. So, starting from the maximum, reduce the among of stuffing to suit your needs.

Uncork your best Merlot with the veal.