Gourmet

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These dramatic cakelike cookies are a New York City favorite — and we think they deserve a wider audience.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 3 3/4 hr

This custard makes a perfect one-dish brunch, lunch, or supper, especially when paired with a green salad. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

Although fresh dark sweet cherries are available in June, we believe they're best eaten out of hand. This cobbler makes great use of frozen cherries. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

These five-ingredient sardine toasts make the perfect party snacks to pass around during cocktail hour.

Here, meltingly rich veal shanks combine wonderfully with the chewiness of orecchiette, ear-shaped pasta shells made of semolina (coarsely ground durum wheat).

"Here's a chicken recipe I came up with that's great for a quick weekday meal with an elegant touch" says Peter Micheli of Medford, Massachusetts. "I have used the sauce with homemade lobster ravioli, and I think it would go well with veal, too. I named this recipe after my mother, who was a great cook." We agree with Mr. Micheli — this dish is a wonderful weekday meal. But its simple elegance also makes it perfect for a party. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min This recipe makes good use of the tail-end portion of a tenderloin.