Cornmeal

All the flavor of individual tamales, but much easier to make.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

As any southerner will tell you, eating black-eyed peas at New Year's will ensure good luck. For a simpler (and meatless) version of this hors d'oeuvre, omit the pork and serve these tender little cakes topped with just the red pepper mayo.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Complete the menu with roasted potatoes, steamed spinach and butterscotch brownies.

Here's a creamy, low-fat dish that rivals the homey goodness of mashed potatoes. Leftovers are great with scrambled eggs for brunch.

(LOU MIAS AVEC COMPOTE DE CERISES NOIRES) Traditionally, this cake—a Christmas specialty of the town of Séguret in the Vaucluse — is made with goat's milk (look for it in the supermarket dairy case), but feel free to use cow's milk.

A classic duo adds an Italian accent to an American favorite.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try this cheese-laden side dish with roasted chicken or grilled lamb.

If you make these as a side dish for the southern fried catfish, you can fry them in the same oil, but cook the hush puppies first because the fish will flavor the oil.