Deviled Ham on Toast Total time: 25 minutes 1/2 pound cooked ham 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 10 slices very thin white bread, crusts removed 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley.

Cheese-Onion Corn Bread 1 egg 1 cup milk 2 1/3 cups cornmeal mix (see recipe) 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 cup coarsely shredded sharp cheese like cheddar Oil for greasing pan.

Risotto With Wild Rice Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes 4 cups hot beef or chicken stock 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 cup Italian arborio rice Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Grated Parmesan cheese.

The mint jelly was as green as lime Jell-O, and served in a time-warped onion cup.

Oyster Chowder 1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery hearts 3 white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups) 14 to 16 large oysters and their liquor Salt Cayenne pepper 2/3 to 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley.

Rice With Peas and Parsley 3 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons chopped onion 1 cup converted rice 1 1/2 cups water 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 4 drops Tabasco sauce or to taste 1 cup frozen peas 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley.

Strawberry Risotto Total time: 30 minutes 4 to 5 cups no-salt-added chicken stock 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup minced onion 1 cup diced strawberries 1/4 cup Marsala 1 cup Arborio rice 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano.

Hot-Pepper Liquid 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup peeled, chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery 6 tablespoons peeled, chopped garlic 1 jalapeño, chopped 2 cups chicken or beef broth 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper.

Arugula and Tomato Salad 1/2 pound arugula leaves 3 ripe plum tomatoes, sliced 1 cup coarsely chopped red onion 1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 4 tablespoons olive oil.

Cold Cucumber Soup Total time: 30 minutes 1/2 cup fine bulgur (see note) 1 cup warm water 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, plus sprigs for garnish 3 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped coarse 2 cups plain nonfat yogurt Salt and freshly ground pepper.