American

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Beef Short Ribs Tagine with Honey-glazed Butternut Squash.

This recipe was inspired by Laurie Colwin's tomato pie — which ran in the August 1992 issue of gourmet; James Beard has a similar recipe that we also love in American Cookery. Paired with a green salad, it's a great warm-weather lunch. The very thin biscuit crust sets it apart from the usual (pastry-crust) pies. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr (includes cooling)

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr

"I'm a music teacher, and baking is the extracurricular activity I like most," says Sue Reddin Ellison of Edgewater, Colorado. "This cheesecake is a family favorite as well as an impressive do-ahead dessert for entertaining. I make a similar version with pecans instead of hazelnuts; either way, everyone loves the smooth filling and the nutty crust." Begin preparing this a day before serving.

Turn this into a bona fide supper with hash brown potatoes, and a marinated artichoke heart and cherry tomato salad. Baked apples à la mode complete the menu.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Inventing desserts is my passion," says Laura Gambrill of Washington, D.C.. "This is a twist on an all-time favorite, bananas Foster. The mango, crystallized ginger and pineapple complement the banana and rum nicely — and so does the toasted coconut that I sprinkle on top."

To accompany Ice-Cream Bombes with Brandied Dried Cranberries and Cherries

Corn kernels and chili powder lend a southwestern accent to these muffins. They would also be nice alongside a bowl of chili.

Delicious on crackers or as a filling for small tea sandwiches.

Achiote paste is a combination of vinegar, spices and annatto seeds, which have a unique, earthy taste. Basting the turkey with butter and achiote yields a moist, richly flavored bird, and the slightly piquant sauce is a refreshing change of pace from traditional gravy. Offer your favorite mashed potatoes, and pour a Pinot Noir.