Swiss Cheese

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you can't get premade patties, buy bulk pork sausage meat and form your own.

This do-ahead main-course strata is simply a savory bread pudding. Pour a Pinot Blanc or Viognier throughout the meal.

In this simplified version of raclette, one of Switzerland's classic dishes, Swiss cheese replaces raclette cheese, and the cheese is melted in individual portions instead of being scraped from a large wheel as it melts. This dish makes a terrific appetizer, or it can be served with a green salad.

A version of the famous Parisian ham-and-cheese sandwich pairs up with a classic soup.

These small pizzas from Indigo in Honolulu feature sweet caramelized onions, spicy chicken, and mozzarella, Swiss and provolone cheeses. Refrigerated pizza dough is used here to simplify the recipe. Chili-garlic sauce can be substituted for the Thai chili sauce if necessary.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Even without the customary ham and chicken or turkey, these are satisfying. Scoop deli potato salad alongside, then offer gingersnaps and a fresh fruit compote with mint.

For an elegant dinner, just add a salad of Bibb lettuce and Belgian endive with walnut-oil vinaigrette, and pass a basket of warm French bread. A purchased apple tart makes a lovely finale.

Serve with: Red cabbage slaw and pickles. Dessert: Fudge brownies.