No-Cook

It's important to look for very ripe Hachiya persimmons — they are incredibly astringent and tannic when not at their peak. The fruit should feel like a water balloon when squeezed and appear almost translucent. Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

This simple union of two splendid regional specialties is eaten throughout Emilia-Romagna.

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

This drink is sometimes known as a Napoleon.

To serve as a drink, freeze until just slushy but not solid. Look for Angostura bitters in the liquor section of the supermarket.

My mother always made wonderful side dishes — and made them look so easy. Indeed, they were! A few fresh vegetables, great herbs, a little mustard or vinegar, and kosher salt were all it took for her to make something taste like it came right from the garden. Here's her incredibly simple recipe for coleslaw — a step removed from traditional recipes that are typically bland and smothered in mayonnaise, this slaw is sharp and crunchy and great with salads, roast meats, and sandwiches.

This springtime dish would go nicely with sliced red and yellow tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette; offer corn muffins, too. End the dinner with wedges of chocolate mousse cake.

For easy serving, ladle the soup into pretty bowls, and set them on the buffet table.

If you can't find jícama-a sweet, crunchy root vegetable eaten raw-use English-cucumber rounds or put the crab mixture in a bowl and serve it with tortilla chips. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A colorful combination of oranges, berries and kiwis teams up with crunchy biscotti for a delicious and wholesome finale.

Low in calories and rich in flavor, this sauce is also excellent over vanilla frozen yogurt.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Partner this sandwich with a bean and rice salad and some crunchy pickles. End with vanilla pudding and fresh pineapple. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a nice variation, try making this one with Napa cabbage. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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