Bon Appétit

This is a simplified version of Havana Harry's recipe; at the restaurant, they deep-fry the pork after braising it.

Located in a century-old coal warehouse that stoked the train coming from Albuquerque, the Zia Diner is in the National Register of Historic Places—and on many lists of favorite neighborhood restaurants. Regulars fuel up with such popular dishes as chicken-fried steak and meat loaf with green chilies and pine nuts. The latter provided the inspiration for another Zia Diner classic: spaghetti with chili and pine nut meatballs.

Although it's a perfect complement to pork, this chutney would also be tasty served with other roasted meats. This recipe is an accompaniment for Roast Pork Tenderloin with Creamed Corn and Apple-Raisin Chutney .

Pick up grilled zucchini and fresh figs from a specialty market to round out the meal.

Regular oranges work just as well, but they won't impart the same fiery sunset color.

This easy-to-make dessert tastes like pumpkin spice cake and apple crisp baked together.

Serve this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Caesar Salad with Pepper-Grilled Tuna.

These exciting flavors complement seared or grilled scallops, fish fillets, or chicken.

Dark brown sugar gives these buttery treats an extra-rich taste.

Jamie serves the Stir-fried Sesame Asparagus with the steak since they complement each other so well. Look for rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of the supermarket.

From Lidia's in Kansas City, an informal company dish that's sure to satisfy.

Offer these as a starter or as a light lunch with a salad of greens tossed in vinaigrette.

This would serve four as a vegetarian entrée.

"I literally didn't know how to boil an egg until I was in my 20's — when I tried to impress a guy by making dinner for him," writes Sally Siegel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "I didn't have much success with the dinner or the guy, but I regrouped and put together a repertoire of fairly elegant dishes I felt confident making. Over the years, my cooking style has become more casual; I make dishes that are not too demanding, but still special for company."

Serve with: Baby red potatoes (tossed in olive oil and roasted alongside the hen) and buttered green beans. Dessert: A Key lime pie from the bakery.