Rice & Grains

Koosa Claritas — pale green, slightly rounded zucchini — are traditionally used in this dish, but we find that yellow zucchini make for a more attractive presentation because they don't discolor when cooked in tomato sauce.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Sharpen your cutting and chopping skills and see how to prepare salmon like a pro with our technique videos.

Prepare a batch of this breakfast dish and store it in the refrigerator. Then simply reheat single servings in the microwave.

The bold flavors of Spain's famous paella-sausage, seafood and saffron-meet the luscious, creamy texture of Italy's risotto in this beautiful rice dish. Pour a chilled dry white wine during dinner, and offer flan for dessert.

A Dijon mustard vinaigrette brings all the flavors together. If you can't find basmati rice, white long-grain rice is fine.

Use this for the Springtime Sushi Nests or for any sushi recipe.

From the Williamsburg Inn's Regency Room.

This dish features garam masala, a flavorful blend of roasted and ground spices used in Indian cuisine and now available in the spice section of most supermarkets. Accompany the shrimp with bottled tomato chutney or fruit chutney and a basket of warm flatbread. A mango smoothie with a plate of coconut macaroons is the perfect dessert.

This must be made in a deep, oven-proof earthenware (lead-free) bowl to have its special rich taste!

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Saint André, a French triple-cream cheese, would also be nice here instead of Brie.

This recipe was developed from a banana muffin that had a similar crumbly top. When I saw Stephan eat the top and pick out the banana chunks, I realized a new dessert would be healthier, moister, and better appreciated. I was right, but be sure to serve this very warm and don't use very old, overripe bananas — the taste becomes a little intense for children. Mash and freeze such overripe bananas in a plastic container for a banana bread or other similar confections.

Mensaf This recipe, adapted from Kathy Sullivan and Janine El Tal, international educators and longtime residents of Jordan, is a scaled-down version of that country's national dish, which is usually served in large quantities at important gatherings. Mensaf is eaten standing up, using the right hand to form a little ball of rice and meat. Traditionally, jameed, a ball of reconstituted sun-dried yogurt, is used to make the sauce, but it is replaced here by regular plain yogurt that has been stabilized (with egg white and cornstarch) for cooking. Buy the richest, tangiest yogurt you can find. Active time: 55 min Start to finish: 3 1/2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.