Squash

The fennel mayonnaise below makes an excellent dip for these zucchini spears if serving them as an hors d'oeuvre. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a great one-dish meal, serve this rich stew over rice. If you want to make it even more authentic, use couscous, a small grain-shaped pasta that is often found in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. It's available at many supermarkets and specialty foods stores.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The sap of maple trees was being used by Native Americans when the very earliest European immigrants arrived. Then it was an all-purpose seasoning, like salt, enlivening the austere diet. Now, with the refinement achieved by boiling and concentrating the flavor of the sap, maple syrup is a uniquely American sweetener. Here it adds just the right subtle note to a colorful puree of butternut squash.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This variation on Spanish rice is wonderful with spicy Southwestern dishes.

Pair this with a green salad for a light lunch.

These cake-like treats are moist and spicy-and great with milk.

Swirl a little cream decoratively into each bowl of soup for an elegant presentation.

Accompany this robust salad with crusty bread and serve grapes for dessert.