Bell Pepper

This recipe was created to accompany Spiced Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Mango Salsa. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Instead of white cubes of tofu bobbing in this African-style soup, where they look decidedly odd, I purée the tofu with a portion of the finished soup until everything is smooth. The tofu is there, but it doesn't intrude. And this is a method you can use with virtually any puréed soup. If you wish, you can purée the entire soup or leave it textured, with bits of sweet potatoes and peppers.

Serve this Greek salad as a crisp first course, or pair it with grilled pita bread and you have lunch for two. Serves 4.

The azuki (Japanese red) beans called for in the following recipe are sometimes referred to as aduki or adzuki beans. To prevent sandwiches from getting soggy, the salad can be kept in resealable plastic bags and spooned into pita pockets just before serving.

(Provençal Anchovy Vegetable Spread) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Top toast points with this for an appetizer, or serve it as an accompaniment to grilled lamb, fish or chicken.

One of the best ways I know of serving a dish the second time around is to dress up the leftovers in tortillas, bake them in a spaghetti sauce, and top them with crunchy stuff. Even a picky kid might not recognize last night's dinner — if you're lucky. You can use the same fillings and toppings you would with tacos or try some others.

Serve with: Sourdough toast and a mixed green salad. Dessert: Oversize brownies.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Use this snappy seasoning on pork, lamb and beef as well.

Called fattoush in Lebanon, this colorful dish is offered as a first course at Al-Amir restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.