30 Minutes or Less

Serve this dish, from chef Matthew Reichel, with potato pancakes or rice pilaf.

"I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' — that's what I call it — at my house every year," writes Frances Teasley of North Hollywood, California. "I know a lot of people who, like me, don't have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house."

A hearty soup that's a snap to prepare.

Clams in an oil and garlic sauce are found all over Spain but are especially good in Andalusia, where tiny bean clams are used. Cockles, Manila clams, and small littlenecks work well, too. Serve plenty of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

It may seem odd that we use frozen green peas, but, sadly, even the best fresh ones can taste starchy by the time they make it to the supermarket. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

White asparagus has a delicate flavor that works especially well with our truffle vinaigrette, but try the dish with green asparagus, too.

An old-school ice cream scoop turns out beautiful curls of melon; the pink peppercorn and bay–infused wine syrup keeps things interesting.

Squash blossoms are extremely perishable; it's best to use them the day you buy them.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

A nice accompaniment to grilled sea bass, scallops or shrimp.

"I was 11 years old when I started receiving Gourmet magazine," says Kristi Tursi of Essex Junction, Vermont. "I am now 15, and I’m happy to say that I've tried at least one recipe from each issue. I love to experiment with new combinations of unusual foods. Maybe that is because I enjoy science and chemistry, or perhaps I just love eating delicious yummies! But this year, on my mom's birthday, I tried something cool: cherry chocolate chippers. These cookies are not as dramatic as my chicken mango tango, but they're quite a treat. Everyone at the party liked them so much that I spent part of the evening jotting down the recipe. So I decided to share it with everyone ... by way of Gourmet."

This chicken is delicious over rice or pasta, which absorbs the tangy sauce. A salad and some crusty French bread would be fine accompaniments.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Offer a salad of snow peas and sliced radishes in a ginger vinaigrette. End with oranges and almond cookies. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.