Starter

Although bisques tend to be thick and creamy, the following intensely flavorful version is light, with very little cream added.

This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Hoisin-Marinated Butterflied Leg of Lamb .

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This ragù would also be excellent served over instant polenta instead of pasta.

For this recipe you will need three mini-muffin pans, each containing twelve 1 3/4-by-1 inch cups.

An appetizer that is simple to make, delicious and very appealing.

Doña Tomasa and other Oaxacans often thin their guacamole with water to make a dipping sauce. Sometimes a little cream or milk is added as well.

This soufflé-like tart makes a nice lunch or light dinner with a salad of mixed baby greens.

Pan-roasting or toasting in a dry cast-iron skillet is a cooking technique used often in Mexican cuisine. We use it here to bring up the flavors of corn, onion, and pumpkin seeds. We created this salad as a main course, but it's also a terrific side dish. Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 hr

This is lovely paired with Champagne.

This soup, known as congee or jook, is found in one form or another in many Asian countries and is eaten at all times of day. At breakfast plain congee is the norm, served with a variety of strongly flavored accompaniments — such as pickled turnips, salted fish, and peanuts — to awaken the palate. We love the flavor and color the pumpkin gives the soup. Those who like oatmeal for breakfast might enjoy this with just a touch of sugar; or leave it plain and top it with the recommended accompaniments.

Dried porcini are sold at Italian delis and in many supermarkets.