MARINARA SAUCE (FROM CARMINE'S, NEW YORK) 3/4 cup olive oil 3 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced (see note) 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1 35-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Dania Sauce (Adapted from Dania Lucherini, La Chuisa, Montefollonico) Total time: 40 minutes 2 pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup olive oil 3 small dried hot red peppers, minced 5 sprigs parsley 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino cheese, mixed.

Parsley-Herb Salad Time: 15 minutes 1 cup washed, dried and roughly chopped parsley 1/2 cup washed, dried and roughly chopped tender herbs like dill, mint, basil and/or chervil 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon chopped fresh marjoram or oregano leaves 2 tablespoons minced chives or scallions 4 cups mixed salad greens 1/3.

Potato and Leek Soup (Adapted from "The Way to Cook," by Julia Child, Alfred A. Knopf, 1989) 6 cups sliced leeks 6 cups diced Idaho potatoes 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup minced parsley 1/2 cup sour cream, optional.

Spicy Tartar Sauce Preparation time: 5 minutes, plus 1 hour resting 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles 1 teaspoon finely chopped shallots 1 teaspoon chopped pickled hot peppers 1 teaspoon chopped parsley 1 cup unseasoned mayonnaise, homemade if possible Cider vinegar to taste Salt to taste Cayenne pepper to taste.

POTATO SALAD VINAIGRETTE 3 pounds red new potatoes 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard 1/2 cup olive oil 6 scallions, chopped 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped dill Salt and pepper.

LOBIO (Bean salad) 1 pound dried kidney beans 3 cups chopped onion 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander 1/4 teaspoon dried fenugreek 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon Salt to taste.

Classic Potato Salad Total time: 35 minutes 3 pounds medium-size red or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/3 cup white-wine vinegar 2 carrots, peeled and grated 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions 2 cups mayonnaise 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.

Fish Cakes Olive oil 1 1/2 pounds cod, striped bass or other fish fillets Sea salt 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 3/4 cup fresh, soft bread crumbs 1 egg 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3/4 cup fine, dry bread crumbs 4 tablespoons butter 1 lemon, cut into wedges.

ANCHOVY PISTOU Adapted from Peter Hoffman Time: 10 minutes 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.