Broil

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Begin preparing the custards a day ahead so that they can chill overnight.

Brian Polcyn of the Five Lakes Grill in Milford, Michigan, has updated this Mexican favorite by oven-roasting the stuffed chilies rather than coating them with batter and frying them. The chilies are presented on a bed of rich-tasting caramelized onions.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve these with a couple of tall, cold beers.

These layered desserts are a pure flight of fancy. Inspired by the Italian dish lasagna, they use a traditional Peruvian fruit and cheese combo and add the very French technique of brûléeing sugar to create a brittle caramel. Villaran tops them with a caramel crown for a dramatic presentation, but they are just as delicious with nothing more than a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

Serve with: Roast leg of lamb. Combine with: Crusty bread spread with goat cheese. Use as: A seasoning for roast chicken (spread tapenade under the skin before cooking).

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Although traditional Italian polenta is simmered for nearly an hour, resulting in a very creamy consistency, for the following recipe we preferred the more rustic texture of this quickly cooked version.

This delightful open-face omelet is aptly named; it's bursting with flavor and style.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try this sweet alternative to fat-and cholesterol-laden crème brûlée.