Simmer

Cold pea soup is a classic spring starter for a sophisticated English dinner. While mint is the time-honored herb of choice, tarragon makes for an appealing change.

Homemade ravioli are made simple here with readily available gyoza wrappers (look for them in the refrigerated Asian section of your supermarket).

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Gumbo Z'herbes with Red Beans , Shrimp, Crab, and Oyster Gumbo , Chicken, Sausage, and Okra Gumbo , and Beef Filé Gumbo . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A low-fat sausage will work here, though it will not produce as flavorful a gumbo.

Ideal for any spring occasion.

Orzo--the small rice-shaped pasta used here--is available at Italian markets and most supermarkets.

The sauce is a recipe from Sue Ann's father. She uses it with purchased tortellini in this recipe, but she also pours it over chicken, which is then baked, for an instant cacciatore-style dish.

Ragoût de petits L
égumes au Parmesan et Vinaigre Balsamique Also nice as a meatless entrée—with some crusty French bread, of course.

A hearty soup that's very low in fat.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can use purchased sauce here, your own homemade or the versatile This is terrific over pasta.

The recipe for the coconut pudding is adapted from Mexican Light Cooking by Santa Fe-based chef Kathi Long.

Use alphabets or little stars, orzo, or tiny circles. Or use a combination of them all. The child in your life will love this, and so will the child in you.