Lemon

I devised this dish for a benefit party to aid my husband's chamber music group, Clarion Concerts. It was the middle of August, in the heart of the corn season. Keeping up the tradition of Indian migrants the world over, I find myself adapting Indian spices and techniques to the best of American ingredients.

Lemon juice is an integral part of this classic dish. Choose the smallest clams possible, and make sure not to overcook them.

(Adapted from The Keeper's House) Charmoula is a Moroccan fish marinade traditionally made with tomatoes, lemon, paprika, garlic, cumin, and cilantro.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This crisp and creamy dessert pairs pistachio praline meringues with lemon buttercream. The unique praline is also used to garnish the sides of the cake. Assemble it a day before serving to allow the buttercream to set and the flavors to come out.

This refreshing dessert comes from Lincoln Carson, pastry chef at the Highlands Inn in Carmel Highlands, California. It has a lovely rich texture, even though it has no eggs.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This summer pudding yields 6 servings, allowing second helpings for a party of 4 or a breakfast treat for the next morning. In addition to an 8-inch square glass baking dish, you will also need another one, glass or metal, of the same size.

For a quick dessert, serve this tangy sauce over strawberries, purchased angel food cake or some fat-free pound cake.

The best way to get warm and cozy after a day outdoors is with this drink, in Ireland known simply as "hot whiskey."

Market tip: All rainbow trout sold in markets are sustainably farm-raised.

Alice Marcus Solovy of Skokie, Illinois, writes: "When I was 12 years old, my mother taught me how to make my first pie crust. My father said it tasted just like his grandmother's, and I was very flattered. That's basically the story of how I started cooking. After almost a lifetime in the kitchen, I still enjoy playing around with recipes. I've even been known to go out to dinner, taste a certain dish, and then re-create it at home in a few tries."

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 12 hr Before you start this recipe, make sure there's room in your refrigerator for a 24-inch fish poacher and a 25-inch platter.

Allen Susser is the man behind Chef Allen's, a favorite special-occasion restaurant near Miami. (He is also a cookbook author, has his own line of sauces, puts out a newsletter and has a Web site—www.chefallen.com.) Calling his food New World Cuisine, Susser uses an international repertoire of cooking techniques to prepare dishes with the best local ingredients. His focus on simple but powerful flavors shows in this dish.

The "tart shells" are crisp meringues; they're filled with a soft, mint-infused lemon cream. The meringue shells can be baked one day before serving the dessert.