Steak

Called Upper Peninsula Pasties, the original crusts, made with barley flour and little fat, were tough enough to survive a day in the copper mines. Boston-based pastry chef Greg Case has devised this more tender version. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

There's something for everyone in this traditional specialty. Don't forget to soak the bamboo skewers before using them.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Called pho in Vietnam, this unusual soup is a wonderful party centerpiece dish for an informal gathering. Start out by supplying everyone with a large soup bowl and a ladle. Place the soup tureen in the middle of the table. Have each guest take a generous helping of noodles first, then some meat and broth. Each serving is topped off with shredded lettuce, sliced green onion and a squeeze of lemon juice.

The combination of herbs, the rice noodles, and the garlicky lime sauce mark this pasta salad as Vietnamese.

This Vietnamese classic is usually made with top or bottom round beef, which is sliced and then marinated and grilled. We've adapted the recipe to use skirt or flank steak and made it easier by grilling the meat before slicing it.

Arrachera con Ajo y Limon a la Parrilla Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

The colorful mixed peppercorns found in bottles in many supermarkets aren't just decorative: They add a robust flavor to steaks as well as to thick-cut chops or cuts of meat suitable for roasting.

Freezing the steak for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to slice; using a grill pan is the simplest way to cook the slices.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The Kitchen Conservatory, a popular St. Louis cooking school, knows how the superb beef of the Midwest should be cooked. Suitable accompaniments are baked potatoes, steamed carrots and a green salad. Complete the meal with a pear tart.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve these flavorful steaks with the Polenta with Mozzarella and Parmesan .

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.