30 Minutes or Less

Keep the glasses and a pitcher of the vodka in the freezer (for at least six hours before the party) so that you can provide instant gratification to each arriving guest. A medicine dropper is a great vermouth dispenser.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Nothing is more basic to French olive people than tapenade, the simple and delicious Provençal caviar eaten with toasted bread. It can be flavored with garlic, bay, thyme, mustard, and even rum or Cognac. Here, it is done the old way.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Great over rice or toasted French bread.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe—inspired by a similar dish served at the fabulously fast-paced lunch counter Cal Pep, in Barcelona, Spain—is terrific with pork chops or roast chicken. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

So flavorful and so easy to make.

Veggie crumbles, a savory blend of vegetable and grain proteins, lend this chili a hearty, ground beef flavor. Look for it in the frozen foods section of the supermarket. To go with the chili, warm some of the new flavored tortillas, and add a composed salad of jicama and red onion with poppy seed ranch dressing. Then splurge with banana splits.

The crostini can be assembled two hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to broil and serve.

A lovely first-course salad. Pears contribute sweetness to the dish; the Italian bacon called pancetta adds a nice salty crunch.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.