Potato

This stuffed potato is practically a meal in itself; just add a salad, and you're all set.

At the restaurant, the gnocchi are shaped in a time-honored manner that includes pressing each short dough piece against the tines of a fork. Home cooks may find it simpler to roll the dough along the wires of a whisk, as outlined here. Also, if you can't get ground chuck, buy a boneless chuck roast, and ask the butcher to grind it for you.

The gentle sweetness of this simple side dish goes well with the slightly spicy flank steak .

Our food editors agree that this is one of the best-tasting and most elegant shepherd's pies they've ever had. The recipe is not as complicated as it appears at first glance—the different components all come together to make a complete meal in a single dish. The potatoes are stiffer than the average mash because they will be forming the crust for the pie.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The lobster and vegetables are tossed with an orange, shallot and tarragon dressing, then served over mixed green. Offer lavash crackers and white wine spritzers.

(Warm Potato Goat-Cheese Salads with Thyme and Niçoise Olives)