Gourmet
Zucchini with Ground White Poppy Seeds
Sources for posto are Penzeys (800-741-7787; penzeys.com) and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451; kalustyans.com).
Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 20 min
Apple, Roquefort, and Red Leaf Lettuce with Pumpernickel Croutons
Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min
Braised Chicken with Shallots, Garlic, and Balsamic Vinegar
Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr
Mashed potatoes are the ideal accompaniment to this dish.
Lobster Thermidor
None of us expected to fall in love with this dish when we tested it, but we all did. Most Thermidor recipes yield something that tastes stodgy and heavy, but this version, by 1940s Gourmet chef Louis P. De Gouy, is almost sleek.
Corn Fritters with Arugula and Warm Tomato Salad
We found that using finely stone-ground cornmeal yielded a denser, slightly heavier fritter than regular stone-ground cornmeal. Though both tasted the same, we preferred the texture of the fritter made with regular cornmeal.
Pan-Baked Lemon Sole with Spinach, Olives, and Tomatoes
Jamie Oliver calls this "another great pan-baked recipe that is perfect for coping with lots of people without a huge deal of effort." Oliver uses plaice, a popular flatfish in England favored over flounder, but lemon sole is a good substitute.
Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 hr
By Jamie Oliver
Sfogliatelle
We have to be honest: This sfogliatelle recipe is quite an undertaking. Some of our food editors were surprised that these pastries could even be made at home. However, if you're in the mood for a delicious project, sfogliatelle are worth the time and energy involved.
Cream Drop Biscuits
If you're in the mood for a real breakfast treat, hot cream biscuits slathered with butter and jam can be just the thing. Try them with the <epi:recipeLink id-"105046">quick strawberry jam</epi:recipeLink>. <P>
Mango Lassi
In Indian restaurants, lassi is served with the meal, but we frequently find this exotic "smoothie" too filling to accompany a main course and prefer it in place of dessert. Look for the smaller, yellow-skinned mangoes, which have a more pronounced flavor than the larger, red and green ones.
Goat Cheese Souffles in Phyllo Cups with Frisée Salad
You can make the soufflés 4 hours ahead (keep at room temperature). Put in a 375°F oven for 8 minutes to reheat.
Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 hr