Gourmet

Fried Rice with Pork and Kale

Cold cooked rice (made at least 1 day ahead) is the secret to delicious fried rice, so don't cook a fresh pot for this recipe.

You may be curious about why we chose to include edamame (fresh soybeans), which are often associated with Asian cuisine, in this all-American succotash recipe. Soybeans are actually a patriotic legume: They're the second largest crop produced in this country. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Blue Cheese Canapes with Pecans and Grapes

Spiced Cranberry and Orange Relish

This classic uncooked relish gets an aromatic edge from cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

Scallion Wild Rice Crepes with Mushroom Filling and Red Pepper Sauce

For more information about cooking wild rice, see Born to Be Wild. Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 3 1/2 hr

Three-Berry Pie with Vanilla Cream

Active time: 40 minutes Start to finish: 6 hours(includes making dough and cooling pie)

Peach Crisp

Active time: 30 minutes Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours

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

Blueberry Crumb Cake

Active time: 15 minutes Start to finish: 1 1/4 hour

Pistachio-Crusted Arctic Char

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 40 min

Apple, Roquefort, and Red Leaf Lettuce with Pumpernickel Croutons

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Halibut with Grapefruit Beurre Blanc

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

Sour Cherry Compote

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

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.

Lemon Ice Cream with Black-Currant Sauce

Sea Bass and Spicy Tomato Sauce Over Braised Fennel