Bon Appétit

These "Hawks Bars" are so good, chef-owners Michael Fagnoni and Molly Hawks named them after their restaurant. Super-sweet, fudgy brownies are topped with layers of white-chocolate-flavored caramel, bittersweet-chocolate ganache, and candied pecans and served with a scoop of not-too-sweet Cacao Nib Gelato. Incredible.

If you don't get enough fat from the chicken, supplement with purchased chicken fat (from the freezer section of the supermarket). Go here for pastry-making tips.

Gazpacho (a traditional chilled soup that originated in Spain) becomes a sauce for fish fillets.

This incredible sandwich is so filling that you won't need a side dish.

Watercress, black pepper, and plain yogurt, which are easier to find, can be substituted here.

Complex and richly flavored with aromatic spices, this chicken curry is also quick and easy to prepare. To save even more time, use an already cut-up "best of fryer" chicken (preferably organic) for this dish.

Order the pig's feet from your butcher. Serve with a side of rich, creamy mashed potatoes.

Pack carrot and celery sticks along with this lemony hummus.

The rich chowder serves as a sauce in this dish. At the restaurant, they use house-smoked king clams and panko in the panzanella, which is a modern take on the classic Italian bread salad. If you like, puree equal parts parsley, fennel fronds, and olive oil, then spoon the vibrant green sauce around the fish.

Use a tablespoon to shape the dough.

This dish has a spicy-sweet twist.

This dish is special enough for a dinner party—and it's a cinch to make.

Ras-el-hanout is a Moroccan spice blend available at some specialty foods stores and from adrianascaravan.com. Couscous is delicious tossed with brown butter: Simply melt butter over medium heat until browned, then toss it with the cooked couscous.

Timing note: You'll need to start this recipe two days ahead.

Almost every ingredient in this delicious chocolate cake is a pantry staple, making this a time-saving, budget-friendly dessert that still feeds a crowd. Plus, it keeps well, so even if you do have leftovers, you can enjoy the cake all week.

You can bake the cookies to order, straight from the freezer.