Simmer

A simple version of a Scandinavian fruit soup. This can also be served as a sauce over ice cream, frozen yogurt or pudding.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. We found this pasta just as delicious without the salmon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is a terrific version of osso buco alla Milanese. To bring out the flavors, the veal is sprinkled with gremolata, a snappy mixture of chopped parsley, garlic and grated lemon peel. Uncork a bottle of Nebbiolo d'Alba or Nebbiolo delle Langhe to go with this classic do-ahead entrée.

Here's a delicious recipe from chef Edwin Goto at The Lodge at Koele on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. In an homage to spring, the rich-tasting risotto is served on a bed of oven-roasted asparagus.

If you have cooked lamb, beef, or turkey on hand, use it instead of the chicken.

Reinforce the southwestern theme with accompaniments like corn bread and a spinach salad with grapefruit segments and toasted pine nuts. For dessert, stir some cinnamon into sweetened whipped cream to dress up slices of chocolate pound cake. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Suitable accompaniments to this risotto-like dish are crusty bread, an avocado and orange salad with a cilantro vinaigrette and, to top it off, coconut pie.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This fragrant stew is great over couscous.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Since the tomatoes in the sauce are cooked just briefly, this dish is a breeze to make.

Throughout World War II, everyone who had even a little plot of land was encouraged to grow a vegetable garden. Back then, this comforting soup would most frequently be made from water and contain no chicken, which was a Sunday treat. For convenience, you can skip the first part of this recipe and use six cups of stock or canned broth and omit the chicken altogether. But if you want to make the stock from scratch, be sure to do so a day ahead.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Though there is only a small amount of cardamom in this recipe, the spice plays a big role in bringing out the subtle flavor and fragrance of the persimmon. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 4 hr

This German drink, called Grossmutters Punsch (Grandmother's Punch), is usually enjoyed warm at midnight on Christmas Eve. It can also be served as a refreshing chilled drink. For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick to each glass.