Pancake

The sauce for these cheese-based latkes, which are great for breakfast, can be made two days ahead. Be sure to serve the pancakes (enough for four people) as soon as they are made.

The crisp-crusted corn cakes of Colombia and Venezuela called arepas were the inspiration for these delicious sauce soppers. In their native habitats they can be found as thin as crêpes or as thick as scones; savory or sweet; plain or stuffed; fried, baked, or even grilled. We like these straight from the skillet — and they are even better made a day ahead and then reheated. But we really love them loaded up with the juices from a plateful of steak and chimichurri sauce .

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. May require additional sitting time.

Cracker-like pancakes are a nice snack.

Walnuts add crunch to these breakfast treats served at the Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid.

During a summer trip to Santa Fe, Joan Coulliette of Sandy, Utah, had a wonderful baked apple pancake for breakfast at Atalaya restaurant. The restaurant has closed, but we were able to get the recipe for the pancakes.

These crepe-like pancakes also make a great brunch dish. What to drink: The saltiness of the ham and cheese calls for a fruity white wine with thirst-quenching acidity, like Tuscany's Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

All but the most experienced of crêpe chefs will admit that the first crêpe in a batch is often not of the best quality. The level of heat under the skillet needs to be fine-tuned as you go. With that in mind, our recipe makes enough batter for 2 crêpes, even though you'll only need 1 for this hors d'oeuvre. If the first crêpe comes out well, freeze the extra, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, to use another evening. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 hr

You can also serve blini topped with salmon roe. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

A custard-like texture makes these unique.

These can be topped with caviar or smoked salmon for a special-occasion appetizer, but they are also good with fried eggs or as a side dish for grilled fish.

What to drink: Georg Breuer 1999 Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Rüdesheim Berg Rottland.

Amyrose Gill of Berkeley, California, writes: "My husband and I learned about La Note when we first moved to Berkeley to attend graduate school. Everyone raved about their Sunday brunch, and for weeks we tried to go, but there was always a line out the door. We finally braved the long wait, and it was well worth it. Gingerbread pancakes —redolent with spice, beautifully textured, and absolutely delicious —were the reward. We'd love to get the recipe and serve them at our own Sunday brunches. " In addition to their spiced flavor, these pancakes have a distinctive cakelike texture.

Inspired by Korean pajeon, this shrimp-studded pancake features fresh snap peas as a spring-y addition.

This easy Dutch baby pancake recipe comes together quickly in a blender and is topped with salty-sweet maple whipped cream and fresh fruit.

The classic Korean pancake, threaded with seafood and lots of scallions, has crispy edges and a kicky dipping sauce, making it a perfect drinking snack.

No buttermilk? No problem. Fluffy pancakes can still be yours, requiring nothing more than milk, some pantry staples, and one hot tip.