American

Donna Knowlton of Atlanta, Georgia, writes: "As the oldest of five children growing up in rural West Virginia, I was always helping in the kitchen. Like many girls in the South, my interest in cooking came from being a member of the 4-H club." Adding fresh lemon juice and grated lemon peel to the filling enhances the flavor of the apples.

A modern version of a childhood favorite.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Offer this colorful condiment with assorted grilled vegetables or grilled tuna. It's also great when paired with fried calamari or used in tuna or potato salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try these for both dessert and breakfast. They're great with their pan juices or the Apple Custard Sauce.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

Packed with chicken and vegetables, this savory cobbler is a down-home main course. Uncork a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

Probably the Shakers' greatest gift to American cookery was their knowledge and liberal use of herbs, which were relied upon to vary and enliven standard dishes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Whether they feature shellfish, smoked fish or fresh fish, chowders are an essential part of New England cooking. Ours is prepared with a mixture of fresh cod, haddock and halibut, three important North Atlantic ocean varieties. We've made the surprising addition of butternut squash and kale--both popular regional vegetables--to this hearty soup for extra color and texture. Curry powder lends an unexpected bit of spice.