Starter

Great with pumpernickel bread.

(Roasted Potato Slices with Salt Cod Purée and Roasted Red Pepper)

When I was growing up, my mom periodically brewed a pot of this bitter, allegedly medicinal soup and forced me to drink a bowl (she says the ginseng promotes general well-being). Although I used to sit at the kitchen table for an hour, slowly spooning each dreadful bit into my mouth, I've since discovered that the only way to tolerate it is to gulp the liquid down as quickly as possible. Now nearly every time I go home, she prepares this special (and unfortunately simple-to-make) soup just for me — which probably explains why I don't go home very often.

I like to serve these colorful peppers, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, as part of an antipasto platter. Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 3 hr (plus 1 week for flavors to develop)

Prick the pastry with a fork so that it doesn't puff up during baking. This tart works as an entree or, cut into smaller pieces, as hors d'oeuvres.

These peppers flavor up Fireside Lamb Stew as well as a simple sandwich.

Like the tarte Tatin, that famous French upside-down apple dessert created by the Tatin sisters, these savory stacks have a crispy top crust that ultimately becomes the bottom-perfect for sopping up the unctuous tomato juices and pesto. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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