
Scampi Fra Diavolo
In this clever combo, garlicky scampi meet spicy shrimp fra diavolo. Serve as an appetizer with grilled bread or spoon over polenta or orzo for a main course. Panko can be found in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.
Buttermilk Biscuits with Green Onions, Black Pepper, and Sea Salt
These quick, flavorful biscuits with a touch of cornmeal are perfect for Thanksgiving.
Huevos Rancheros in Tortilla Cups
Literally "ranch-style eggs," huevos rancheros is a Mexican dish that consists of fried eggs in a red chile sauce served with tortillas. Here, the tortillas hold the baked eggs and beans. Serve them as soon as they come out of the oven so that the yolks dont overcook.
Asian Steak Topped with Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
A steakhouse take on Thai beef with peppers. Serve with steamed rice.
Muhammara
A Syrian roasted-pepper and walnut spread, muhammara is a great alternative to hummus. 1 12-ounce jar roasted red bell peppers in olive oil with garlic, drained.
Pork Chops with Tarragon Sauce and Cornichons
You can find cornichons (tiny pickles) at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
Quick Sausage and Mushroom Lasagna
If possible, use flat no-cook lasagna noodles: They look and taste more like homemade than the curly kind.
Brandied Plum Clafoutis
These warm, pudding-like individual desserts are the perfect use for those last-of-the-season plums. If you'd like, sift some powdered sugar over the clafoutis before serving.
Frisée and Apple Salad with Dried Cherries and Walnuts
To make this fresh salad, you'll need the following on hand: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, walnuts, a Gala apple, tart cherries, minced shallots, honey, and frisée.
Chicken Sandwiches with Chiles, Cheese and Romaine Slaw
Dried guajillo chiles and New Mexico chiles can be found in some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.
Dried Fruit and Nut Crostata
Dried dates, cranberries, and figs become an almost-effortless filling for this elegant tart.
Plum Sorbet with Black-Currant Liqueur
The sorbet can also be made with pluots or plumcots (plum-apricot hybrids).
Chicken and Sausage Cacciatore with Grape Tomatoes
Because it's cooked only briefly, the tomato sauce is incredibly fresh-tasting and not too heavy. Serve with thick slices of garlic bread.
Grilled Halibut with Grilled Red Pepper Harissa
Harissa is a spicy Tunisian sauce made from chiles, spices, and olive oil. Here, grilling the ingredients gives the sauce great smoky flavor.