Brunch

Named for the "muddy" Mississippi River, this is a dark and rich chocolate cake.

"There's a terrific place called Grand Central Cafe and Bakery in Portland, Oregon. I tried their Jammers, which are luscious buttermilk biscuits filled with jam," says Lori Stiffler of Butte, Montana. These home-style biscuits look like giant thumbprint cookies. Freezing the dry ingredients contributes to the biscuits' flakiness.

Buy a heavy coconut that has no cracks and that sounds full of liquid when shaken.

For variety, sprinkle berries, nuts or chocolate chips over the pancakes before turning them over on the griddle.

Round out the main course with leaves of romaine lettuce topped with purchased guacamole and salsa; also offer rice pilaf. For dessert, spoon Kahlùa and chocolate sauce over coffee ice cream.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

This simple but highly seasoned breakfast, brunch or supper dish became fashionable during the craze for Tex-Mex food that began in the Southwest and California in the 1940s. Our recipe highlights tortillas that are currently available in a variety of flavors, like sun-dried tomato and jalapeño.

Dense, moist and delectable, this homey cake has a lovely balance of flavors.

Raising pancakes and waffles with yeast is an old American tradition that predates the invention of baking powder. The overnight proofing develops the flavor of the flours, and the yeast ensures lightness even for heavier grains. The batter keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for several days. Try these waffles with Quince Applesauce Mushrooms

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 9 1/2 hr (includes chilling) The potatoes in this recipe are chilled after boiling to get them very firm so they won't fall apart when you slice and sauté them. Some of our editors think chilling also helps the potatoes develop a better-browned crust when sautéing.

Serve Champagne to add an elegant, light touch to this terrific brunch menu.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 40 min

Using the freshest eggs possible is the key to great poached eggs. This dish makes a savory breakfast or, when paired with a salad, a satisfying brunch.

This dish is a nice choice for a special breakfast because the potatoes can be mashed in advance, then chilled overnight in the ramekins. Serve with plenty of buttered toast.