Fennel

Nancy Scott of Cranston, Rhode Island, writes: "I attended a wine tasting festival in Newport a while ago and enjoyed a shrimp ceviche prepared by Andrew Dicataldo, the executive chef of Patria, in New York City. Can you get the recipe?" In this recipe, the shrimp are cooked by quickly boiling them, whereas in a traditional ceviche the seafood, marinated in a spicy mixture of lemon or lemon-lime juice, appears cooked but isn't. Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 2 hr

Although bisques tend to be thick and creamy, the following intensely flavorful version is light, with very little cream added.

This ragù would also be excellent served over instant polenta instead of pasta.

If one large fish is difficult to find, two smaller ones can be substituted.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Bruce Aidells, founder of Aidell's Sausage Company, says, "I first discovered that fennel was a delicious vegetable while enjoying Christmas Eve dinner at the home of a dear friend of mine, the late cooking teacher Loni Kuhn. At her own family's holiday meals, a gratin of fennel, potatoes and cheese was a much appreciated standard. The mild anise flavor of cooked fennel goes particularly well with roast turkey or roast pork, and it has been a regular at my family's holiday table for more than twenty years."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

On the Cycladic islands, homemade salted pork flavors most vegetable dishes. Pancetta makes a good substitute here.

Accompanied by Champagne, this beautiful and delicious appetizer starts the meal on a sophisticated note.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 hr

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. We created this sauce for fish, but it also makes a terrific accompaniment to lamb.