Shallot

Red pears are first choice here, but any ripe, firm pears would be delicious. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This uses the same ingredients found in boudin blanc, the classic French white sausage. Start two days before serving.

At The Great House at Villa Madeleine in St. Croix, they often use a native fish called wahoo for this interesting dish, but swordfish is another nice choice. They also make the chutney with the very hot Scotch bonnet pepper. A serrano chili produces a slightly milder version.

Oyster stuffing is more traditionally associated with the New England states, but this one teams the shellfish (also common to Pacific waters) with a classic ingredient from Northern California—sourdough bread. It's an outstanding rendition of an old-fashioned stuffing.

Eric: If you have to make mussel broth for another recipe and don't know what to do with all the leftover mussels, this dish is the perfect solution. On the other hand, if you want to make this salad and don't have a use for the broth, just freeze it. Maguy: The crunchy diced vegetables contrast perfectly with the softness of the mussels, even though it's not the wonderful moules marinière of my childhood.

These easy-to-make vegetables are served at Chamberlain's Prime Chop House in Dallas, Texas.

Phyllo-wrapped goat cheese gives this salad served at Un Grand Café in Chicago, Illinois, an elegant touch.

We enjoyed this dish served at room temperature, but it is also delicious warm.

In this easy dish, the sage is at its best, partnered with shallots.

This is made with homemade pasta at the inn. Our easy alternative uses cooked lasagne noodles cut into squares. From the Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels, Maryland. Watch how to make your own pasta for ravioli with our hands-on streaming video demonstration.

Offer this elegant dish with a sauté of vegetables.

This recipes was created to accompany Roast Chicken with Mustard Vinaigrette and Potato Salad with Haricots Verts, Roquefort and Walnuts.

The delicious sauce is also very nice with chicken and shellfish.