Shallot

Venison is best served rare to medium, as it is a very lean meat that toughens and develops a strong flavor if overcooked. The following recipe may also be made with a 2 1/2-pound beef fillet.

Pair this with frosty glasses of lager.

"The recipes here reflect my British roots, but not necessarily my family traditions," writes Mairi Morrison of London, England. "Although my mother is from Scotland and my father is from Northern Ireland, I grew up in Los Angeles, where our weeknight meals were typically American: spaghetti, tacos, and burgers. It wasn't until I moved to Europe that I became really interested in food. Here in London my social life is centered around the table. I really like this dish because it is typically British, and perfect for a rainy winter evening in London." A nice side with lamb, chicken or fish dishes.

This salad is prepared in the French style known as à la grecque, in which vegetables are cooked in a lemon and olive-oil marinade (often infused with coriander and pepper) and then served cold. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Buffalo Prime Rib with Orange Balsamic Glaze. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Gah Yan Tsui writes, via gourmet.com: "I recently enjoyed a delicious lunch at Aquavit in New York City. Marcus Samuelsson makes an incredible mussel and carrot soup. Would it be possible to acquire the recipe?" This soup tastes much better when made with fresh carrot juice. If you don't have a juicer, you can get some at your nearest natural foods store. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

A composed salad that features all the bright and pretty colors of the season.

A sophisticated main course that's quick and easy to make. Accompany the fish with wild rice pilaf and steamed asparagus.

The sweet bread called for here was introduced to Hawaii by nineteenth-century Portuguese immigrants. The stuffing can also be cooked inside the turkey, provided the bird is roasted immediately after being stuffed. For more flavor, rub the turkey with a mixture of salt and pepper and two tablespoons each of sesame oil, orange juice and lime juice, and let it marinate overnight.

The delicious sauce is also very nice with chicken and shellfish.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Crown of Shrimp with Truffle Sauce .

Phyllo-wrapped goat cheese gives this salad served at Un Grand Café in Chicago, Illinois, an elegant touch.