Tequila

This recipe is an accompaniment for Apple Crisp with Prune Tequila Ice Cream . Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 days (includes macerating and freezing)

From Charleston Grill, Charleston, South Carolina.

For this clever riff on the "frozen" Margarita, try to use natural lime pops (sold at natural and specialty foods stores) rather than artificially colored and flavored varieties.

Dr. James Henry Salisbury might have been the first of the protein-diet doctors, proclaiming in 1888 that humankind's maladies were caused by too much starchy food. His solution? Chopped lean meat, or hamburger steak. To hide the "liver-y" taste of hamburger, he recommended adding horseradish, mustard or Worcestershire sauce. By the 1900s, Salisbury steak was a staple menu item, often served with mushroom gravy or smothered in onions. This version, inspired by today’s southwestern cooking, has terrific flavor.

Margaritas Clásicas Mexican and Key limes are slightly sweeter than Persian limes (the standard supermarket variety). They can often be found at Latin American markets or at local farmers' markets. Melissa's sells them year-round by mail; to order, call 800-588-0151 or go to melissas.com. Make these Margaritas two at a time.

Here's a tropical take on one of the most popular warm-weather drinks. This rendition is served on the rocks.

To help these filled tomatoes sit steadily on a serving tray, rest them on their stem ends after scooping out and filling the opposite, blossom, ends.

To make these ice pops nonalcoholic, substitute freshly squeezed orange juice for the tequila.

Michael McLaughlin, cookbook author, says, "Not all Thanksgiving traditions originated decades ago. This recent addition to my holiday menu lineup was inspired by my move to Santa Fe. With locally grown green chilies readily available and pine nuts growing on piñon trees right outside my back door, a southwestern-style stuffing incorporating both ingredients seemed a natural. The tequila-soaked raisins are a sweet surprise." Make the corn bread a day ahead.

The creamy tequila-orange filling contrasts perfectly with the tart cranberry topping.

(Cold Avocado Soup)

For a light alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pies, tequila-poached pears (above) provide a southwestern twist. Popular in Mexico and Central and South America, prickly pear jelly is paired with raspberries for the sauce. Serve with the Lemon Bizcochitos and dessert wine, such as Muscat.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Californian Harry Baker invented the chiffon cake in 1927, but he kept the recipe a tightly guarded secret for another 20 years. He finally relented and sold his formula to General Mills. The mystery ingredient? Vegetable oil, which gave the cake richness and a light, moist texture. We spike this one with all the flavors of a Margarita cocktail; the Strawberry Compote with Tequila and Lime is an elegant touch.

This smooth sorbet can be made without an ice cream machine.