Garlic

The mangoes must be completely unripe in order to achieve the firm, chunky texture desired for this chutney. This recipe was created to accompany Lamb Stew with Black Mustard Seeds. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Poulet aux Quarante Gousses d'Ail Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 50 min Chicken with 40 cloves of garlic was a recipe that allowed us to be provocative without being downright offensive. It presents the softer side of garlic — the "stinking rose" — mellowed by long, slow cooking.

"An Indian friend of my mother's gave her this recipe for beef curry back in 1936," writes Bill Goodhue of Chino, California. "The recipe has been passed on to me, so I can still enjoy the sweet-spicy flavors of this stew more than 60 years later."

Most Russian Orthodox families roast the meats the day before the feast so that preparation can be kept to a minimum when they come home from church. The baby lamb is symbolic of Christ as well as an ode to the arrival of spring.

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

This aristocrat of the salad family is usually considered to belong properly to dinner, accompanying the main entrèe, or even better, as a separate course to refresh the palate. But why not, on a hot summer day, feature the big bowl of cool greens for itself? The accompaniment can be hearty - cheese muffins or sandwiches - but let the salad have the center of the stage.

The Potato Gratin with Cream and Fresh Herbs is a nice accompaniment to this main course. And for the wine, consider serving a flavorful red, such as a Pinot Noir from Oregon.

Here's a simple and versatile pesto: It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and a spoonful of it enhances everything from soup to chili. Add three cups of diced cooked chicken to the pasta to make a satisfying main course that serves four.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This rich, silky soup has a touch of spice.

Yams are blended with regular russets in a nice rendition of mashed potatoes. If you decide to double the recipe, use a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.

These rolls are baked instead of deep-fried, making them a healthful, satisfying alternative to traditional egg rolls.

Two New Orleans favorites — catfish and pecans — team up in this terrific dish from Upperline Restaurant.

We make this rich, intensely flavored stock for our mushroom soups, sauces, and ragouts. The dried shiitake mushrooms give the stock depth and tremendous flavor. They're readily available in the Asian section of most grocery stores, but if you can't find them, substitute another variety of dried mushrooms — fresh mushrooms alone will make a weak stock. This stock freezes well.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tomato time is the best time to put this do-ahead soup on the menu.

The robust flavor of Grey Celtic salt complements the greens perfectly.