Lentil Salad With Beets and Ginger Total time: 1 hour 2 lentils, preferably French Le Puy 3 medium beets, about one bunch 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Orange-Scented Roasted-Tomato-and-Garlic Dip 15 plum tomatoes, cored and halved lengthwise 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 1/8 teaspoon orange oil 5 cloves roasted garlic, peeled 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Pinch of cayenne 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 4 teaspoons chopped Italian parsley.

FROM OR FOR A LITERARY LUNCH Swiss Potatoes (Adapted from "Heartburn," by Nora Ephron) Total time: 30 minutes 3 3/4 pounds russet potatoes 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon coarse salt.

A Versatile Green Broccoli-Rape Pasta Sauce Total time: 20 minutes 1 1/2 pounds broccoli rape, trimmed and cut across into 1-inch pieces 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste.

CUCUMBER-THYME VINAIGRETTE 1/2 cup cucumber juice (see recipe) 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Marinated White Anchovies With Basil and Lemon Zest Time: 5 minutes plus 10 minutes' resting 1/2 pound marinated white anchovies 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon good extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest Freshly ground black pepper.

Rape With Pasta 1 1/2 pounds rape 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1/8 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes 4 anchovy fillets, finely minced 8 cups water Salt to taste, if desired 1/4 pound penne or ziti 1 tablespoon butter.

Linguine With Peccorino Cheese 3/4 pound medium-size linguine Salt 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup grated peccorino cheese.

Spiced Chicken Wings Total time: 30 minutes plus marinating 18 chicken wings 1 medium onion 2 garlic cloves 3 scallions 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 teaspoons whole allspice, crushed in a mortar 2 teaspoons crushed hot red pepper flakes, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon brown sugar.

Orzo With Tomatoes 6 cups water Salt to taste 3/4 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 pound ripe plum tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/3-inch cubes Freshly ground pepper to taste 2 tablespoons loosely packed shredded fresh basil or Italian parsley 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese.