Baked Penne Gratin With Ham
Request 3 servings of penne with red sauce. Preheat the oven to 375° F and transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Add 1/4 pound chopped ham or prosciutto and 1/2 cup frozen peas. Toss well and top with 1 cup grated mozzarella, 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bake until brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Serves: 6 as a main course.


Burrito Buffet
Request 8 soft flour tortillas, 1 large serving of Mexican rice (about 2 cups), and 1 order each of salsa, beans, guacamole, chicken or beef strips, plus any tasty-sounding salads on offer that day. Place the ingredients in festive serving dishes and place on a buffet table, along with 1 sliced avocado (rub a little lime juice on the flesh to keep it from turning brown), 1 cup grated Cheddar or crumbled queso fresco (white Mexican cheese available at some supermarkets), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 sliced scallions (or 2 tablespoons minced red onion), and additional lime wedges. Let people assemble their burritos as they like.

Serves: 6 to 8 as a main course.


Chicken Caesar Salad
Take the meat off 1 rotisserie chicken, slice it, and arrange it on top of 2 orders of Caesar salad (or 1 family-size order). Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.

Serves: 4 as a first course.


Dressy Artichoke Chicken Salad
Toss the shredded meat from 1 roasted chicken with 3 tablespoons good-quality purchased vinaigrette (or blend 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, and 1 crushed garlic clove), plus 1 cup drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts, and 1 cup cubed fresh mozzarella or crumbled fresh goat cheese. Serve over washed baby greens (2 bags should be enough). Season with freshly ground black pepper.

Serves: 4 to 6 people.


Greek Pita Pizzas
Heat oven or toaster oven to 400° F. Divide 3/4 cup tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup crumbled Feta, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, and basil) among 4 pita rounds. Top with sliced black olives and sliced marinated artichoke hearts, if desired. Bake until the cheese melts and the crusts are crispy, about 8 minutes.

Serves: 4, with 1 individual pizza each.