Simmer

It's difficult to choose ripe quinces because their flesh, unlike that of other fruits, doesn't soften. You have to use your nose, sniffing out the heady floral fragrance that signals that the quince is ripe.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

Susan Dlott of Solon, Ohio, writes: "On our last visit to New York City, we spent the day watching the St. Patrick's Day parade, sightseeing, and shopping. We topped off the trip with a marvelous meal at La Dolce Vita. My entrée of pappardelle, pancetta, and mushrooms in a Sherry tomato cream sauce was simply unforgettable. I'd like to duplicate it at home." Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 13/4 hr

This hearty breakfast dish is served at The Ahwahnee Hotel.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Use on your favorite toast for breakfast or spoon over vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Using packaged chili seasoning--the kind with separate pouches for the seasoning and the hot pepper--allows adjustment of the "heat" in this southwestern-style dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A simple and satisfying version of a typically time-consuming restaurant classic.

An adaptation of a recipe from Mexican Light Cooking by our friend Kathi Long, a chef and author in Santa Fe.

Hummus, a dip/spread traditional in many Middle Eastern countries, is usually made with chick-peas (garbanzo beans), but we use white beans for a change of pace. It is delicious with steamed potatoes and artichokes as well as blanched broccoli, cauliflower and green beans.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Use any leftover sauce as an omelet filling.