Fennel

Serve this hearty stew over noodles. Market Tip: It's best to buy pork shoulder from the Boston butt: This less-tender but well-marbled cut produces succulent results when braised.

Puréeing the corn with low-fat milk gives the soup a creamy texture. Serve it as a starter or as a light main course with a green salad and crusty bread.

Wonderful as a side dish with grilled sea bass, halibut, or marinated, skewered shrimp.

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr (includes making pastry shell)

Prosciutto is more familiar in this type of appetizer, but bresaola, beef fillet cured in a similar fashion, gives it a fresh interpretation. When paired with golden Spanish Manchego, the combination is deliciously bold in flavor.

If one large fish is difficult to find, two smaller ones can be substituted.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Although we prefer the taste and texture of sheep's-milk ricotta, this recipe can be made using (whole-milk) cow's-milk ricotta, which should first be drained overnight in a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl. The grapevine leaves make for a beautiful presentation, but, because they haven't been softened in water, they should not be eaten.

A lovely side dish with big flavors‑and only a single teaspoon of oil.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(SALADE DE LEGUMES AU FROMAGE DE CHEVRE) This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In the late nineteenth century, salmon was so abundant in Scotland that servants refused to eat it more than three times a week — but then again, they didn't have the recipe for this delicious hash. Top each serving of the hash with one or two poached eggs. Make a watercress salad with a simple vinaigrette to have alongside, and offer a pitcher of mimosas or some juice to drink.

Barley gives this a wonderful chewy texture.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. The fennel is the special flavor in this soup.