Buttermilk

Makes 12 to 16 servings.

Buttermilk makes the cake tender, and cream cheese adds great texture to the frosting.

We've suggested toasted French bread as an accompaniment to this soup, but bear in mind it is not included in our calorie count. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

Patrice Bedrosian of Brewster, New York, writes: "In the days that followed September 11, 2001, I — like so many Americans — gravitated toward roast chicken, meat loaf, and anything that brought comfort and ease to my home. You see, my stepbrother, Jerry O'Leary, a 34-year-old chef working at Cantor Fitzgerald's corporate dining room in One World Trade Center, was among the many victims on that terrible day. "I feel quite certain that Jerry's love for cooking stemmed from his mother, Julie Lestrange. And as long as I can remember, she has always had something delicious waiting for my family whenever we visit. "I would like to share a recipe that Julie has given to me. My hope is that you will, in turn, share it with my fellow readers, encouraging them to enjoy this delicious and comforting Irish bread, to smile, and to remember the love between a mother and a son." Offer this easy-to-make bread with plenty of butter and your favorite jam.

This recipe originally accompanied <epi:recipe link="" id="100982">Confetti Salad with Ranch Dressing</epi:recipe>.

Half of one of these loaves is enough for the croutons for the White Bean and Ham Hock Soup with Arugula.

Melt some butter in maple syrup to drizzle over these slightly crunchy hotcakes.

For a nice variation, try making this one with Napa cabbage. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here, buttermilk replaces nearly all of the oil. Very ripe bananas give the best flavor.

Here's a perfect way to have the taste of fried oysters without all the extra fat. If the oysters are very large, cut them in half before coating them with the cornmeal.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These berry-studded flapjacks are terrific topped with sweet butter and maple syrup and accompanied by bacon, ham or sausages. Big fans of molasses will want to pour a little extra over the pancakes.