Vietnamese rice paper wrappers (also called báhn tráng) are easy to work with once you’ve moistened one or two and gotten a feel for how they soften up. You can also serve these wraps as appetizers by slicing them in half on the bias and serving them standing pointy-end up.
Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous is definitely a company-worthy entree, but it's also easy on the cook. The slow-cooked flavor of these lamb chops will have guests thinking you've been in the kitchen all day--not 20 minutes.
Shrimp and Grits, a low-country favorite, makes a hearty, one-dish dinner and is table-ready in 30 minutes. Sustainable Choice: Buy Pacific white shrimp farmed in recirculating systems or inland ponds.
Note: This recipe calls for moderately ripe plantains. Look for ones that have mottled yellow-black skins, avoiding those with green skins (which are unripe) or black skins (which are too ripe). You may have to visit a...
