Seafood

For a nice presentation, garnish the plates with thin cucumber slices, watercress sprigs and some radishes.

Buy an apple tart for dessert.

When you want to put on the "dog" but not the fat, try this colorful salad.

Tuna, which is hearty enough to stand up to strong Spanish flavors, is particularly popular on the Iberian Peninsula. Dusted with paprika and served atop a sauce of tomatoes with bell peppers and ham, the kebabs make outstanding summertime eating. Pour a Spanish Rioja throughout, and present a caramel flan with berries to finish.

A light and flavorful way to cook fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Allow 3 to 4 of the large shrimp per person. If only the smaller are available, you will need about 6 per person.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Brandade, a specialty of Languedoc and Provence, inspired the following recipe. Also called brandade de morue ("ragout of cod"), it is classically a purée of salt cod, olive oil, and milk, often thickened with bread or potato. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

At Vong in New York the lobster is rolled in paper-thin strips of daikon radish. Zucchini, which is much easier to find, is used here; its more flexible and easier to cut.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A perfect crab cake is plump and moist with a crisp crust and has enough spice to accent, not overpower, the crab.

Crème fraîche makes these potatoes extra rich and utterly delicious.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.