Manchego

Crepas Rellenas de Hongos con Salsa de Chile Poblano Wild mushrooms stand in for cuitlacoche (corn fungus), which is a delicacy in Mexico.

Manchego, made from rich sheep's milk, is perhaps the best known of the Spanish cheeses. Its flavor, similar to that of Parmigiano-Reggiano, provides an ideal foil for fruit or quince paste, a traditional accompaniment.

This gratin makes a simple accompaniment to roast chicken, pork or even baked eggs.

Slices of Manchego drizzled with fruity olive oil are a mainstay of tapas bars, and this recipe takes that delicious tradition one step further. Begin making this one day before you plan to serve it.

A young sheep's-milk cheese such as Italy's ricotta salata or pecorino Romano (which is easier to find) is best for this salad. Other good choices include Italian Toscanello and Manchego from Spain, which are also made from sheep's milk.

Prosciutto is more familiar in this type of appetizer, but bresaola, beef fillet cured in a similar fashion, gives it a fresh interpretation. When paired with golden Spanish Manchego, the combination is deliciously bold in flavor.

(Cebollas Fritas) These egg-battered onions have a sweetness that marries well with rich dishes such as Churrasco de Sao Paulo a la Parilla .

Cracker-like pancakes are a nice snack.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Four years ago, while food-styling with chef Alain Rondelli, we got to sample one of his creations—an inspired combination of pears and Roquefort and pepper. Its playful mix of sweet and savory led to this dessert. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

This flavorful lamb patty with lemony yogurt sauce is guaranteed to spice up your burger routine. 

Make this fail-safe combination of sweet-juicy fruit, crunchy-salty nuts, and chewy-fatty cheese your all-season salad template.

Store-bought puff pastry + shredded cheese = the easiest, flakiest, most irresistible dinner party snack of all time.