European

Like the tarte Tatin, that famous French upside-down apple dessert created by the Tatin sisters, these savory stacks have a crispy top crust that ultimately becomes the bottom-perfect for sopping up the unctuous tomato juices and pesto. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Provençal Tuna and Vegetable Sandwich)

We used a wire mesh cooling rack to form the decorative pattern on this pastry, but any metal cooling rack can be used. Also, if you have a small rack that cannot cover all the pastry at once, you will need to bake it in batches.

Full-flavored and hearty, this classic pasta dish with bacon and tomato sauce is always a hit. Top it with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Noodles enriched with the deep golden yolks of farm-raised chickens were a frequent starch on heartland tables. Modern cooks may not have the time to put together noodles from scratch, but when glossed with a Swedish-style, caraway-scented butter, even commercial pasta makes a fine accompaniment to the menu's main dish.

This chilled dessert is a variation on summer pudding, that quintessential English sweet made with soft fruits such as raspberries and blackberries.

This dish has wonderful smoky flavors and just a touch of sweetness. Using oven-ready lasagna noodles simplifies the preparation.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Studded with golden raisins, this rich and creamy Greek dessert is from Philadelphia's Chef Theodore.

(Risotto con Regagli) The thrifty Italian Jewish cook wasted no part of the chicken. And it's easy for us to buy inexpensive giblets for this rich and delectable risotto. Donatella Pavoncello, in her delightful Dal 1880 ad oggi: la cucina dalla mia famiglia, cooks the rice in the giblet sauce and spoons some reserved sauce on top. I find it's easier to make the sauce, cook the rice, and then combine the two. That way you don't run the risk of gummy overcooked rice. Incidentally, this sauce is also wonderful tossed with pappardelle.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here, turkey stands in for the traditional veal in a do-ahead entré. Have your butcher bone, roll and tie the turkey breast.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This composed salad is a variation of a recipe from Chef Antonio Ortega of Príncipe y Serrano in Madrid, Spain.

The espresso-flavored cream puff pastry and fluffy coffee and chocolate custard filling vary from the traditional plain pastry and praline buttercream. Delicious on its own, this is even better with the chocolate caramel sauce.