Time-saver/15 recipes

This fresh salad featuring fall pears is a welcome addition to any table. Save time by using pre-washed baby spinach leaves.

This pecan pie can be make a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until about one hour before serving time.

A simple but scrumptious dish that's perfect to make when you don't have a lot of time to prepare dinner.

Scrumptious apple muffins that are just in time for the Autumn season.

A scrumptious salad made with black beans, corn and jalapeno peppers that's perfect for the winter.

Ham Skillet Gumbo recipe

Ready in less than 15 minutes. An easy green bean side dish recipe with cashews, thyme and garlic that ensures the green beans remain the star.

A classic and popular dessert is made all the time at St. Patrick's Day!

Spicy Hot Black Beans and Tomatoes recipe

When buying cheese for grating, get the best quality - Parmigiano Reggiano. A wedge will keep for a long time in your refrigerator if it's very well wrapped in plastic. As it may be expensive, consider that you've made a worthwhile investment.

Oxtail is one of the most economical and most flavorful cuts of meat, and one that takes well to marinating for days in a hearty mixture of red wine, herbs, and vegetables. The longer you marinate the mixture, the more flavorful it will be, but be sure it marinates at least 3 days. Oxtail is also a fatty cut -- give yourself plenty of time to allow the stew to cook and then cool, so all the fat can be skimmed off. Serve this with thick noodles in warmed soup bowls, accompanied by a tossed salad, and of course, a robust red wine.