Rice & Grains

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 hr 20 min

Throughout Abraham Lincoln's political career, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, would periodically bake for him the Todd family's favorite cake, based on a recipe dating back to 1825. On first tasting it, Lincoln is reported to have said that this white almond cake was the "best I ever ate." That's high praise, but we've made a good thing even better by adding a coffee-cinnamon layer and drizzling the cake with a luscious coffee glaze.

Originally made to accompany Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew with Chillies and Polenta Triangles.

This is the Rolls-Royce of bran muffin recipes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This creamy rice, fragrant with lemon, makes a nice accompaniment to veal. If you like, pack the rice into half-cup custard cups and unmold onto the serving plates. Garnish with additional snipped chives, if desired.

(Moroccan Chicken, Chick-Pea, and Lentil Soup) A marvelous vegetarian harira sampled at the United Nations' Delegates Dining Room--prepared by chef Mohamed Boussaoud, from the hotel La Mamounia in Marrakech--provided the inspiration for the following chicken-based version. In Morocco this soup is often made with lamb as well as chicken and is traditionally served after sundown during the month of Ramadan to break each day's fast.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This sophisticated soup and salad combination makes a cozy winter lunch for friends.

Grating the carrots in a processor makes this one-dish meal really easy to assemble.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.