Microwave

Vanilla ice cream surrounds a soft lemon-cream and raspberry-sorbet center.

A touch of cardamom lends subtle spice to these innovative crescent-shaped rolls.

The microwave makes this dish a snap to prepare.

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.

Potatoes lend moistness, and caraway seeds and onions--two ingredients favored by German, Scandinavian and Eastern European immigrants--add flavor to these traditionally shaped rolls.

A low calorie recipe for the microwave.

(Grilled marinated Skirt Steak with Bell Peppers, Onions, and Flour Tortillas)

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

I'm not a big fan of microwaving, but in this case, it preserves both vegetables' deep color and nutrients as it speeds cooking. The honey and sweet sherry accents temper the bitter broccoli raab for a side dish that's fast, fresh, pretty.

"Before I had children," says Annie Denn of Mission Viejo, California. "I was in the airline industry. Working full-time used to leave me exhausted at the end of the day, but now I've discovered that my old job was a piece of cake compared to my responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom. In addition to keeping the house in order, I volunteer at my children's schools. It's fun to go into their classrooms and help out with projects and reading groups, but those activities leave little time for cooking. When I do get into the kitchen, I make dishes that are simple and delicious—which isn't easy given the different eating styles in my family. My daughters, Cassandra and Melinda, request hot dogs and pizza every night. Plus, they're quite the little cookie monsters. On the other hand, my husband, Mike, is a real meat-and-potatoes guy who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. Although it's hard to come up with a compromise every night, I can usually put together a quick and flavorful steak dish with a batch of freshly baked cookies for dessert. That makes everyone—especially Mom—very happy." Made mostly with chocolate and just a bit of flour, these cookies have an intense chocolate flavor and a chewy texture.

By using a microwave to melt the chocolate, you can whip up a batch of these sophisticated truffles in no time. The ground espresso beans add great coffee flavor. Serve the truffles directly from the refrigerator because they soften quickly at room temperature.

Spectacular but easy, thanks to purchased ice cream and sorbet. The meringue is browned in the broiler, like a baked Alaska, just before serving.

Over the past few years, the popular Italian flatbread has made its way into bread baskets at home and in restaurants. This version is tender and redolent of rosemary and olive oil. It’s perfect as a snack, served with soup and salad, or split for sandwiches.

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