Leafy Greens

Straciatella are little rags or strings, which is what the eggs look like when they are cooked. It is these gentle shreds that make this soup so comforting. The essentials of this soup are the stock, or brodo, the eggs, and the cheese. The spinach or other greens are variants. Cooked peas can be used instead of the greens and Garlic Broth can be substituted for the brodo. The technique in this recipe is stolen, with gratitude, from Pellegrino Artusi, a brilliant cook and gastronome who wrote The Art of Eating Well. Use a pot that is large enough to hold the colander over the stock without actually touching it, so that the egg can flow freely into the soup to form the strings.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Just a bit of intensely flavored oriental sesame oil goes a long way in the dressing of this refreshing salad. To retain the crispness of the watercress, toss it with the remaining ingredients right before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The peppery flavor of arugula is nice with the slightly bitter endive and sweet orange.

This quick-to-make Sicilian side dish can accompany chicken, fish or meats.

This take on classic Caesar salad uses nonfat yogurt in place of oil and egg (or oil and mayonnaise) for a lean but creamy dressing that is enhanced by grated Parmesan.

Variations of this salad are often served on Christmas Eve in both old and New Mexico.

To make quick work of the slicing, simply stack the ham and cheese and cut into strips approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. Serve with: Sourdough rolls. Dessert: Peaches drizzled with honey.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min