30 Minutes or Less

This quick and easy rendition of the classic is made with canned chilies.

Crisp baby radishes, blanched snow peas and mini rice cakes make a light starter. The salad tastes even better with cold Asian beer to wash it down. For dessert, crumble coconut macaroons over orange sorbet. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Strawberry-Rhubarb "Courting" Cake.

The perfect accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken or meat. Try cooked bell peppers, mushrooms and onions over the coals, too.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe originally accompanied Grilled Lamb Sandwiches with Grilled Onions . Two easy sauces from a single recipe: plain aioli here and one with red bell peppers .

Like American-style chili, picadillo is great over rice or with warm tortillas.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This refreshing condiment is great with the ham, or try it with grilled fish or chicken.

To my way of thinking, the traditional way of serving hanger steak is the best. The steaks are quickly pan-roasted—they're best served medium-rare (although in France they're often served "bleu," so rare that they're almost blue and only just warm in the center)—and sauced with shallots that have been cooked to a compote's consistency with red wine and vinegar and then tossed with butter and herbs. Whether you sauce the steaks or not (sometimes small bistros in France will serve the steaks with just a spoonful of butter and some sea salt or a pot of strong mustard), I hope you'll serve them with the greatest and most classic accompaniment: pommes frites, French-fried potatoes.

Extra milk makes these potatoes silky-smooth, and truffle oil adds luxurious flavor.

If you can't find fresh chervil, use fresh parsley instead.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Easy sides would be a salad of mixed lettuces with balsamic vinaigrette, a whole wheat baguette and roasted baby potatoes. Finish with apple tarts.

An Asian treatment of chestnuts that will be right at home with all your side dishes.

Complete this one with cherry tomatoes, potato chips, and lemonade.