Emeril Lagasse's cookbook, "Emeril 20-40-60," is geared to an on-the-go lifestyle, serving up quick, flavorful recipes organized according to total cooking time: 20 minutes or less, 40 minutes or less, or about 60 minutes. We've picked out a sampling for you here, with recipes from each section -- salads, main courses, and desserts.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Everyone knows how delicious Chicken Parmesan can be, but I decided to do a spin-off with pork. Your friends and family will be astonished at how quickly this dish comes together.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

This salad should be attempted only when melons are in season -- it's a great addition to an al fresco dinner in the heat of summer. So simple, so refreshing, so satisfying. Don't skip the prosciutto -- it's what makes this dish. Try using the best-quality prosciutto you can find, preferably a variety from Italy or Spain. It can be pricey, but a little goes a long way here.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 7 minutes (including 5 minutes inactive)
Total: 7 minutes

The great thing about these parfaits is that they can be assembled and ready in no time. Don't worry if you don't have the exact ingredients called for; any type of cookie and ice cream you have on hand can work wonderfully together.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 17 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

This light and refreshing salad makes for a perfect warm-weather meal when avocados are in season.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 16 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total: 24 minutes

Talk about "knock your socks off"! These bean cakes end up crispy and crusty on the outside, but oh so tender and creamy on the inside. A true study in contrasts, this dish is elevated to notches unknown when served garnished with your favorite guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

To make the best use of your time, prepare the deceptively delicious cherry sauce while the corn cake is baking. The cake is best served either warm or at room temperature, with the stewed cherries spooned over the top. Since frozen cherries are available year-round, you'll never need to wait for cherry season to enjoy this dessert.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total: 60 minutes

If I had to choose one dish to represent my childhood, it would be this. I call this version "new-style" because the kale is cut into thin strips and is cooked only until crisp-tender, which differs from the more traditional version. Ines, my Portuguese friend back home, would be proud. Serve this with crusty bread alongside.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 65 minutes
Total: 70 minutes

When I'm preparing this dish, it's all I can do to wait until it's finished simmering to get a taste of the awesome gravy. You've simply gotta cook some rice to eat with this, no doubt about it.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total: 45 minutes

The flavors and colors of this dish will wow any seafood lover, trust me. Now, I've gotta tell you, it is a bit on the spicy side, so feel free to reduce the cayenne peppers if you're not a spice lover. With white rice served alongside, this is a complete meal.

Buy the Book: "Emeril 20-40-60"

Try more fast recipes, perfect for weeknight meals or anytime. 

• Quick Chicken Recipes 
• Quick Fish and Shellfish Recipes
• Quick Chocolate Dessert Recipes