Olive

The spicy North African condiment called harissa is often mixed with olives or served with salads, couscous, or tagines — meat or poultry stews.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Jason Gareffa of Los Angeles, California, writes: "Pursuing a career in acting keeps me tremendously busy. Between my improv comedy classes, performances, auditions for film and television roles, and gigs as a DJ for weddings, I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands. But good food is important to me, especially since I need a lot of energy to stay on the go. So over the years, I've started experimenting in the kitchen. Now the other members of my improv group even like to come to my 'wrap parties' to taste my creations."

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can use any type of good-quality olive in this spicy dish, but an assortment of black and green olives looks particularly nice.

Fresh-tasting and colorful, this salad would go well with pizza bianca or calzones. It would also be delicious tossed with penne for a quick pasta salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 or less.

All you need to complete the meal is a simple green salad and your favorite Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.

(CROSTINI DI PANE INTEGRALE CON MELANZANE E OLIVE) A simple hors d'oeuvre with rich flavor and very little fat. Note that the onion is sautéed in broth instead of oil or butter; this is a good way to cut fat and calories considerably.

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

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An Italian take on the Cuban sandwich called media noche ("middle of the night").

The Dijon mustard in the dressing gives this easy salad extra kick