Cornmeal

The Masa Harina adds a pleasant flavor to the light and fluffy pancakes.

This corn bread is on the dry side — ideal for our dressing (see Pork Chops with Pecan Corn Bread Dressing and Cider Gravy) but not for eating on its own. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try this cheese-laden side dish with roasted chicken or grilled lamb.

Similar to polenta, this mixture either bakes atop the chili in the Chili-Cornmeal Skillet Pie or makes a great side dish for huevos rancheros at breakfast or for meat loaf with gravy at dinner.

Corn kernels, cornmeal and sour cream combine in this very easy recipe, resulting in tender muffins with great corn flavor. These are extra good with the Apricot-glazed Turkey with Gravy and the New England Sausage, Apple and Dried Cranberry Stuffing

Margaritas and some guacamole with chips and/or vegetable "dippers" would start this Mexican-style dinner off right. Ladle out black bean soup to precede the tamale pie, and serve a Caesar salad with it. Finish by teaming lime sorbet with orange segments that have been marinated in tequila.

Legend has it that these cornmeal and molasses rolls are named for a New England fisherman's curse on his wife: "Anna, damn her!" Regardless of what she may have done to upset her spouse, she was a great baker.

A simple corn and cornmeal topping makes these halibut fillets a party entrée.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The following recipe is based on Marcella Hazan's "no-stirring" method from her book Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. This recipe originally accompanied Roasted Veal Chops with Shallots, Tomatoes and Olive Jus.They may be seared and roasted while the polenta is simmering.

Instead of the usual corn bread or dinner rolls, try these crisp, cayenne-seasoned breadsticks. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr

We love Marcella Hazan's "no-stirring" method for polenta — the following recipe is based on the one in her book Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. It does require some stirring, but not the constant attention of traditional methods. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 hr