Puff Pastry

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Onion, Anchovy, and Olive Tarts)

These sweets are enjoyed with coffee or tea at Bewley's on Grafton Street, a Dublin institution that has long been part of the city's folklore and culture.

This dessert, prominent in the window of virtually every Paris pastry shop, is a true classic. The puff pastry rounds are usually filled with an almond mixture, but my version features hazelnuts and chocolate. Purchased pastry makes it approachable for the modern cook. Since it reheats nicely, the Pithiviers can be made ahead.

A lovely appetizer or lunch dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The base of the tart is purchased puff pastry, which makes this dish — served as an appetizer at Lucques — as easy as it is delicious. With the addition of a soup, it could also be a lovely lunch or supper.

"You should tell your readers about Bistro Banlieue in Lombard," writes Judith Gill of Chicago, Illinois. "The smoked salmon, goat cheese, and leek tart alone is worth the short drive from Chicago." A slice of this rich tart served with mixed greens makes for a perfect starter.

Have your butcher skin and bone the turkey thigh. Toss curly endive and radicchio with apple slices and cider vinaigrette for a salad. Orange sorbet with warm chocolate sauce and toasted pecans is a simple ending.

Since the crust is made with purchased puff pastry, this delightful savory tart comes together easily.

Using frozen puff pastry for the crust makes this quiche-like tart super-easy.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 1 hr