Summer

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For this dish, fresh spring-summer zucchini are imperative. I use a 1-mm. food processor-blade as if it were a mandoline to hand-slice the tender zucchini. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Many people think all frankfurters are the same. Nothing could be more wrong. Too often the frankfurter in the market display case is a dreary hunk of pressed meat. There is not much you can do to give it flavor. Hunt out German shops, Greek or Kosher delicatessens for the well-seasoned franks and big knockwurst.

(Cold Avocado Soup)

Green onions make all the difference in this new take on a popular Thai soup.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A fresh and simple dessert that's quick to put together. The flavors develop better if it's made one day ahead.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Enriched with a little cream and sugar, jumbo-size refrigerator biscuits become shortcakes worthy of the season's best berries. Since there are more biscuits in the tube than you'll need, you could bake extras at the same time and save them for breakfast the next day.

Begin this dish early in the day to allow the polenta to set.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.