Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Chutney

Pair with a California Merlot or California Chardonnay.

Roasted Chicken Breast with Yukon Gold Potato Cakes and Infused Rosemary Oil Sauce

Tender chicken breast with a delicate, rosemary-scented cream sauce served alongside a golden-toasted potato cake with Parmesan.

Smoked Salmon Pizzettas

Make Mom’s day with these mini-pizzas and a glass of sparkling wine for Mother’s Day brunch. Store-bought pizza dough makes the project easy, but substitute your favorite homemade pizza dough if you prefer.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Fennel Soup with Fried Sage

Butternut squash and fennel make a compelling duo in soup. The licorice-like fennel adds an herbal dimension and keeps the puree from being too sweet. Serve in small portions at Thanksgiving or to launch any autumn meal. Or pair with a hearty salad and a cheese course for a simple dinner.

Dungeness Crab and Avocado Tostadas

Unlike the bean- and cheese-laden tostadas served in many restaurants, these are featherlight and heart healthy. The salad-like topping helps stretch the costly crabmeat, and you’ll save money by buying a cooked crab and extracting the meat yourself. Packaged tostada shells come in a variety of sizes; use any size you like.