Gourmet

It's believed that this stew — called mafé or maafe — originated among the Bambara people of Mali. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 8 hr (includes steeping, chilling, and freezing)

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a more elegant presentation, we cut out rounds from the gratin with a 4-inch cookie cutter. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

You can make the crab mixture and beet purée ahead of time, but don’t assemble these hors d'oeuvres until just before serving or the apple slices will discolor.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Use this dressing on crisp lettuce or omit the buttermilk and serve it as a dip with crudités.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 20 min

This dish is also known as Texas caviar.

This recipe can be made in 45 minutes or less.

If you can't get premade patties, buy bulk pork sausage meat and form your own.

"My husband and I spent a weekend in Mendocino, and one evening out we were served a red pepper soup," says Leslie Cohen of Loomis, California. "Not being a red pepper aficionado, I was surprised at how delicious the soup was and vowed to replicate the recipe." Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

This recipe makes much more dough than is needed for the Mushroom and Butternut Squash Empanadas with Smoked Chile and Tomatillo Sauce , but it freezes beautifully, wrapped well in plastic wrap and sealed in a plastic freezer bag. (Defrost the dough in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours before using.) At Café Azul, Archibald also uses this pastry for pies and tarts. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr