Fry

Panko are fluffy white Japanese breadcrumbs that make a light, crisp crust when fried. Look for them in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets. This dish can easily be doubled. Serve with: Steamed spinach and scalloped potatoes.

The ganache needs to freeze overnight, so start preparing it at least one day before serving.

Nancy Dalrymple of New Orleans, Louisiana, writes: "Last year, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary with a long weekend at Annadele's Plantation, a charming bed-and-breakfast in nearby Covington. Although the rooms were lovely, what made Annadele's so special was the great food. During our stay we learned that the restaurant is open to the public, so we've been back several times for our favorite dish, the pompano fillet with crabmeat and beurre blanc." Pompano — a delicately flavored white fish — is a popular entrée in and around New Orleans. In Annadele's signature version, the fish is topped with sweet crabmeat and a creamy white wine-lemon sauce.

Exactly what a fancy grilled cheese should be — top-notch cheese and bread with a little surprise (an almond-sage spread).

Serve with: Texmati rice pilaf tossed with toasted pecans, and broccoli florets sautéed with sliced garlic.

Rouille is synonymous with bouillabaisse, the Provençal seafood soup. The rust-red sauce is traditionally prepared by blending chiles, garlic, olive oil, and breadcrumbs. This easy, mayonnaise-based version is delicious with fried fish and seafood.

The Meyer lemon's moderate acidity ties in nicely with the sweetness of the crab, though standard lemons can also be used.

Rachel English of Atlanta, Georgia, writes: "My husband and I both love to cook (and eat), so we were excited when we heard that local chef Kevin Rathbun was opening a new restaurant, called Rathbun's, not too far from our house. We stopped by for dinner a few weeks ago and absolutely loved the fried shrimp appetizer. I just have to have the recipe." The restaurant also prepares this dish with chicken and tofu. The flavorful Thai-inspired batter gets its kick from makrut lime leaves, curry paste, and ginger ale.

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Spicy Pork with Bean-Thread Noodles) In this classic Chinese preparation, delicate, clear bean-thread noodles are dressed with a spicy sauce and flecked with bits of pork — the "ants" of the dish's curious name. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.