An unusual combination 0f ingredients produces decidedly elegant results in this simple—to—make dish. Be sure to use dry dried tomatoes, not the kind packed in olive oil.

In this recipe for a popular Chinese dish, an egg is stirred into the simmering soup to form tiny ribbons. For more flavor, add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil just before serving.

Vinaigrette is usually considered a salad dressing, but it also makes a fine sauce for vegetables, such as steamed green beans and boiled potatoes, and main dishes, such as broiled chicken or Fish.

You can replace the zucchini with other vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers. Turmeric, which is related to ginger, is what gives curries and prepared mustard their distinctive yellow color. Look for it in the supermarket’s spice aisle.

This recipe can be used to make basmati rice and brown rice, too. To cook brown rice, increase the amount of water to 2 1/4 cups and the cooking time to 30 to 40 minutes; check rice after 30 minutes.

ONE-POT MEALS: Don't want to break out a battalion of cookware to make tonight's dinner? Each of these recipes requires just one skillet, pan, or baking dish-and renders cleanup a snap.

Moussaka is usually baked, but there’s a faster way to cook this favorite lamb and eggplant dish - combine the familiar elements in a wide frying pan over direct heat. Before serving, spoon hot pasta around the edges of the skillet to share the cooking juices