RECIPES BEGINNING WITH 'p'

The perfect time to make this is when springtime asparagus is fresh from the market—but when available, thin tender spears can be used year-round. Or mix ‘n match veggies on hand: try broccoli, onion, zucchini or peppers—it’s all good!

When you're in the mood for peach pie but don't have the time, try a quick peach pocket. Jenny says, "I was in the mood for apple pie but had no apples, so I created this. It's delicious and is a good way to get some of your fruit for the day."

This recipe is a family favorite since it's not only fun for several people to make together, it offers jobs for all ages (rolling balls of dough, dipping in sugar, unwrapping kisses, etc.). Best of all, it's quick and delicious -- whether straight from the oven (yummy warm, melty chocolate!) or frozen for later use.

For when you would like a little bit of icing on top of the cake but you don’t want a layer of thick sweetness, this provides just the right thin glaze touch and it’s easy to make--less than 5 minutes.

Creamy and not-too-sweet, this peanut butter frosting recipe is quick and easy. It's especially delicious when served on this Best Moist Chocolate Cake.

Perfect to jazz up a stir-fry or bland noodles, this can be adapted to palates-who-like-it-hot by shaking in more dried red peppers. Go light and easy (or eliminate the peppers altogether) if you don’t like the heat. Serve in small bowls for on-the-side dipping.

Excerpted from 400 Best Sandwich Recipes by Alison Lewis © 2011 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

Use whatever veggies you have on hand, from broccoli and red peppers to snow peas to boost the starting-point veggies of this recipe. Serve atop already-cooked or quick-cooking rice (start it when you begin chopping the veggies), or toss in leftover chicken or tofu to up the protein quotient of this quick meal.