Cheese

If possible, use flat no-cook lasagna noodles: They look and taste more like homemade than the curly kind.

Most burrata—cream-filled fresh mozzarella—is made in just two places: Puglia and Southern California. But this addictive cheese is catching on. Chef Nancy Silverton combines it with leeks and breadcrumbs at her (and Mario Batali's) Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Look for burrata at Italian delis and cheese stores.

Not a fin in sight here—just a light, sweet finish to a healthy meal.

A double layer of bread crumbs is the key to these extra-crispy homemade bar snacks.

Editor's note: The recipe is from Tracey Medeiros' book Dishing Up Vermont.

The recipe and introductory text below are reprinted with permission from Gameday Gourmet by Pableaux Johnson. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this dip is a crowd-pleaser that's hugely popular at Duke tailgates and welcome anywhere that big flavors reign. Thick-sliced, peppered bacon gives the dip a distinctly porky flavor.

Melted cheese is a nice way to set off the blossoms' tangy green flavor.

This mix is everything you want with a drink—a little bit salty, but with a nice variety of textures and flavors.

Terry Conlan, of Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas, stuffs a salad between slices of bread.

David Burke, of David Burke at Bloomingdale’s in New York City, subs flavor for fat in every melty mouthful.

What may seem like an incongruous mixture is actually a harmonious blend of ingredients and textures. There are few dishes that illustrate how the seemingly disparate flavors of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty can be successfully combined. One tip: While the melon should be chilled, the other ingredients are their most flavorful at room temperature, so combine the salad just before serving.

Three varieties of basil combine to make a powerfully fragrant and versatile topping for pasta, chicken, or fish.

Favorite Mediterranean ingredients come together in this creamy risotto. Adding the liquid from the tomatoes to the chicken stock underscores the flavor of the fresh tomatoes added at the very end. This is delicious made with any ripe red or orange tomatoes.

This homey dish made everyone in the test kitchen swoon. Roma tomatoes become even more intense when roasted, and this comforting, custardy bread pudding proves the perfect match for their bright flavor. Take it to a potluck, serve it with something grilled, or make it a vegetarian main dish with a green salad.

This creamy fettuccine Alfredo is truly luxurious and yet so simple. You'll be rewarded for using the very best pasta and Parmesan.

The beer and cheese combo gets saucy, turning toast and fried eggs into a truly luxurious meal all about extras: extra-stout beer, extra-sharp Cheddar, and extra good.

File this one under "secret weapon" and pull it out whenever you need a quick but impressive appetizer. Warming the olives in thyme- and-lemon-zest-infused oil awakens their flavor and transforms a goat-cheese medallion into a sumptuous warm spread for flatbread.