Buttermilk

"My husband and I celebrated two of our anniversaries at the restaurant in the Morrison-Clark Inn, in Washington, DC, and enjoyed the experience both times." says Michelle M. Berberet of Alexandria, Virginia. "We are especially fond of the lemon chess pie. Do you think you can get the recipe, or is it a state secret?" It's no state secret—pastry chef Sol Schott was happy to share. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

"This is the cake I bake for most family events," writes Mary Charlotte McCall of Tallahassee, Florida. "I started making it years ago because my three new stepdaughters liked it so much. It's always a hit at big parties, club meetings and kid-related events."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try this with sausages or roast chicken.

A mild buttermilk tang offsets the sweetness of this caramel-colored custard pie.

A perennial favorite on both sides of the Atlantic, this raisiny bread makes fine, fragrant toast.

This recipe originally accompanied Smoked Chicken Salad on Toasted Corn Bread Triangles . The corn bread is great on its own, too.

Jalapeño chilies give this a nice spicy kick. An accompaniment to Chicken Chili Verde .

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

It's so easy to make these processor-quick biscuits ahead if you like. Then reheat, split and fill them with ice cream and berries just before serving.

This recipe, given to me by my aunt, was given to her by her mother. Everyone agrees that it is absolutely delicious. The contrast between a sweet cake and a slightly spicy apple filling is piquant and delightful. The cake layers resemble large sugar cookies.

Also try this with scrambled eggs, omelets or a big bowl of chili.

The heartland is known for its grains and its pork; this first course features two of the region's best products—corn and bacon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.