Onion

Most people never think about cooking cucumber—especially since that crisp, raw crunch is so perfect for salads and canapés. But cucumber acquires a wonderful velvety texture when cooked and puréed, and this soup shows it off beautifully. Even better, the flavor and color of this soup are at their best when it is warm, not hot, which takes some of the stress out of serving ten guests.

This variation on the Chinese classic incorporates jícama, which retains the crisp texture of water chestnuts even when cooked.

Chiles Anchos Rellenos de Atún con Papas This is more sweet than spicy, because the chiles are softened in brown sugar and vinegar before stuffing.

Use this stock to prepare Chicken with Parsley and Thyme Stuffing and Roasted Potatoes .

Stir-frying--an unorthodox technique for red flannel hash--yields a dish whose components are crisp and separate rather than melded into a cake, as is traditional. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 18 hr (includes chilling)

Here's an innovative combination that's excellent on tuna burgers or grilled steak.

Here's a delicious specialty from The Gallic Kitchen in Dublin, Ireland, a small, bright pâtisserie with excellent sweet and savory goods.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A classic of the Balearic Islands, where lobster is found in abundance, this stew (known as caldereta) is intensely flavorful and fun to eat. Live lobster is essential, since the tomalley (liver) is a key ingredient. Serve the stew with plenty of crusty country-style bread.

This recipe was created to accompany Fried Grits with Red Pepper Sauce

Also try the flavored mayonnaise on roast beef or ham sandwiches.

(Corn Tortillas with Sweet-and-Savory Ground Pork)

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.