Corn

A Dijon mustard vinaigrette brings all the flavors together. If you can't find basmati rice, white long-grain rice is fine.

The corn coulis also pairs nicely with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or grilled chicken. Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 45 min

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Simmering cobs in the corn-broth mixture gives the soup extra flavor.

Time: About 30 minutes Level: Beginner This is the thin version of the Rhode Island staple that some still eat as an accompaniment to breakfast, lunch and dinner. These are wonderful plain with salt right off the griddle but can be gussied up however you like, although many Rhode Islanders cringe at the thought of a maple syrup glaze. Recipe Synopsis: Mix the batter and fry on a well-greased griddle.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

Hot pepper jelly is an unexpected taste that picks up the sweetness of the corn and cornmeal. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

If smoked paprika isn't available, substitute four teaspoons of chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, which are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores, and in the Latin American foods section of many supermarkets.

White corn, cilantro and jalapeño chili give the classic Caesar a Texas accent.

The name Indian pudding comes from the addition of cornmeal here — early colonists called most everything made with corn "Indian." Originally the pudding was cooked in a pot over the open hearth and was very dense. This is a lighter version baked in a modern oven, but we kept the traditional step of pouring milk or cream over the top of the pudding before cooking it.

This heirloom recipe was given to Kathy by her grandmother. It's best when served right from the oven.

I devised this dish for a benefit party to aid my husband's chamber music group, Clarion Concerts. It was the middle of August, in the heart of the corn season. Keeping up the tradition of Indian migrants the world over, I find myself adapting Indian spices and techniques to the best of American ingredients.

This elegant first course is ideal for entertaining, because everything can be prepared a day ahead (just chop up all the toppings and refrigerate them until ready to use).