Feta

Quick, upscale and delicious. Leftover garbanzo bean spread makes a great dip for carrot and celery sticks.

Purchased tabbouleh spooned onto whole romaine lettuce leaves is ideal with these Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches. Follow with baklava and fresh grapes.

This dish of spinachy rice with feta and black olives is extremely simple … and therein lies its elegance. Some people simply don't get it. "It's just so humble," they say. To which I respond, "That's what I like about it!"

Be sure to serve this with thick slices of good bread to soak up the dressing.

For a nice picnic, pack up this salad (chill it well first), some bread and wine.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

Using a low-fat cheese such as feta makes for a rich but lean topping. The newer feta cheeses with sun-dried tomatoes and basil are especially good.

Reflecting the cuisines of Israel and the surrounding Mediterranean Middle Eastern countries, this meatless stew is seasoned with mint and lemon. Serve it with sesame seed rolls and a tomato and cucumber salad; have pistachio ice cream for dessert.

Offer this with Herbed Eggplant as a first course. Icy-cold ouzo is the perfect aperitif for the meal.

Serve with: Shredded lettuce and radishes tossed with lemon vinaigrette, and Spanish rice. Dessert: Lime sherbet.

Meatless pasta loaded with bold flavors.

Carol Gilbert of Saratoga, California, writes: "I've been many things in my life — including a teacher and a stay-at-home mom — but now, at 63, I am a one-person technical documentation department for a start-up company. The hours are not nine to five, so I can't put vast amounts of time into cooking these days, but I have never lost my love for it. Nevertheless, I cook about five nights a week for myself and my husband, David. Despite the long days, I want to have a home-cooked meal in the evening. So, I'm organized: I draw up a weekly menu plan, make a shopping list, and take one trip to the market. I could not survive without my plan!" You can substitute Boston or butter lettuce if Bibb isn't available. Save even more prep time by using packaged candied walnuts or other nuts that are now widely available and are often displayed in the produce or snack aisles of the supermarket.

Carey Paquette of Arlington, Virginia, writes: "When it comes to cooking, I make an effort to prepare healthful meals, but wouldn't call myself a fanatic. I believe that olive oil goes in everything and wine goes with everything; I just use them in moderation."