Microwave

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Debbie Daly of Morris Township, New Jersey, writes: "When my husband and I visit my brother in Madison, Connecticut, we frequently dine at a spot called Perfect Parties. The last time I was there, I enjoyed sweet potato ravioli with brown butter sauce served over spinach. I would love to make it at home." Serve the ravioli atop a bed of wilted spinach, if desired, to soak up every bit of the flavorful brown butter sauce.

This is the best ever use for your microwave! The sweet-sour flavor complements Daniel Boulud's Short Ribs.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Similar to pumpkin pie, but not quite as sweet. Serve with whipped cream, if you like.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

The trick to having a turkey ready in two hours is to use a hot oven and a small turkey. I learned this recipe originally from Julia Child, but I've changed it along the way. The turkey should be no more than 14 pounds. If the roasting pan is more than 2 inches larger than the turkey, the juices may burn. (If you use a larger pan, add a little broth to the pan as needed.) Always remove any bags or parts from the large and small cavities before cooking, and start with a clean oven to avoid excess smoking. Because I make my turkey broth months ahead of time and freeze it, I can use that for the bird and the gracious amount of gravy. After Thanksgiving, I make another broth or stock from the turkey bones, leftover skin, and parts. I even add any leftover gravy, and freeze that whole stock for yet another turkey.

Ice cream at its easiest: crystallized ginger is mixed into softened vanilla ice cream.

I’m always looking for ways to make interesting weeknight meals," says Sandy Stevens of Las Vegas, Nevada. "Since tamales are one of my teenagers' favorite foods, I came up with a new way to serve them. This casserole is a big hit with my whole family." The spicy casserole can also be made in a microwave: Cook on high until it's hot and bubbling, about 15 minutes; rotate the dish several times, if necessary.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

A century-old dish, the following was probably named for its color (a resemblance to Harvard crimson); it seems to have no other connection with the school. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.