Salami

This salad — named after the famous New Orleans sandwich — would also be good on oversize rolls. Suitable sides include onion rings and carrot sticks with blue cheese dip. End with praline ice cream cones.

This was one of those invented-while-walking-up-and-down-the-aisles-of-the-supermarket dishes; the thought process in it is a good example of how one uses taste elements to design a dish. It was a cold day and the idea of a hearty pork roast conjured up some equally substantial lentils. Then the hard salami and figs suggested themselves for salt and balancing sweetness. We figured the bulbiness of the onions would pull up all of the strong tastes in the wild palate of this recipe. Serve with lentil stew.

(Italian-Style Meat and Cheese Sandwiches) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Vidalias star in a nice version of the relish that is essential to this New Orleans specialty. Try the relish on grilled halibut, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.