Deceptively Easy Gourmet Dinners

Updated March 25, 2008
Credit: Beau Gustafson

Serve a dinner dish that only looks complicated. Our favorites are ready to serve in 45 minutes or less and have helpful how-to videos on the side.

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Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens

Credit: Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens Recipe

Roasting at a high temperature and using small Cornish hens means that these orange-ginger glazed beauties are done after only 25 minutes in the oven. Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup.

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Fresh Herb-Coated Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Fresh Herb-Coated Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

A lean cut of beef and cornstarch-thickened gravy keep this dinner deliciously low in calories.

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Kung Pao Chicken

Credit: Randy Mayor

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Homemade Chinese food is a tasty and delicious way to save money in your food budget. This classic kung pao chicken is ready in just 30 minutes.

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Caribbean Grilled Scallop Salad

Credit: Randy Mayor

Caribbean Grilled Scallop Salad Recipe

Add grilled sea scallops to a bed of Boston lettuce and fresh fruit and toss with a zesty homemade dressing for a dinner salad that's ready in about 15 minutes.

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Herbes de Provence-Crusted Lamb Chops

Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Melanie J. Clarke

Herbes de Provence-Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

The savory coating of Dijon mustard and dried herbs also tastes great on chicken thighs or beef fillets. Herbes de Provence is a combination of several dried herbs--including lavender, thyme, rosemary, and basil--that evoke flavors from the south of France.

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Duck with Olives and Couscous

Credit: Randy Mayor

Duck with Olives and Couscous Recipe

Inspired by Moroccan tagine, this recipe features duck breasts seared then simmered in a flavorful sauce that's surprisingly complex despite a short cooking time. The result is a casual, sophisticated dinner.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu

Credit: Beau Gustafson

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

This lightened version of Chicken Cordon Bleu remains tres délicieuse despite a modest amount of butter. Fix mashed potatoes and a side of green beans while the chicken bakes.

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