Sun-Dried Tomato

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil cuts down on fat. You can find them at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores and Italian markets.

The crisp Rosemary Toasts taste great dunked into this flavorful soup. To serve on the side, toss arugula with sliced red onions and basalmic vinaigrette, then top the salad with shavings of Parmesan cheese. For dessert, keep it simple with ripe pears and amaretti (almond cookies).

Toasted baguette slices and some baby greens tossed with marinated artichoke hearts are a wonderful accompaniment to the pasta. (For extra flavor, you can spread the baguette slices with olive paste before servings.) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Dinner at the Montauk Seafood Grill was an ideal way to cap off a day of skiing in Vail," Julie Harris of Redwood City, California. "The salmon covered with an unusual breadcrumb coating is something I would like to make for a dinner party."

You can make this up to three days ahead; be sure to start at least one day in advance.

"Cooking is my passion, and my husband and some of our friends share it," Kim Bartel, Youngstown, Ohio. "Our favorite weekend activity is making dinner together and pairing it with wine. When developing new recipes, I often refine and retest, but everyone loved this chicken dish the first time around. I serve it with rice, green beans and a crisp Chardonnay."

For a quick and satisfying after-work supper, team this tasty chicken dish with some cooked noodles that have been tossed with olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This Mediterranean-style treatment of lamb shanks is delicious over orzo.

A healthful new take on an old favorite.

Tortillas form the crust of these layered pizzas, which are an irresistible hors d'oeuvre. Pour sangria throughout the party.

Baked egg roll wrappers make a crisp, low-fat base for the roasted mushroom topping.

Steamed cauliflower florets, broccoli florets and carrot slices are mixed with olives and tossed with a sun-dried tomato and oregano vinaigrette in this Italian-inspired starter "from the garden."