Cheese

Ultra-rich and ready in a flash, this pasta dish just might be the ultimate comfort food.

Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 4 hr (includes making fresh pasta)

Culinary archaeologists Susan Lord and Danilo Baroncini named their cookbook Pani Caliatu (available from Kitchen Arts & Letters in New York), for the traditional Aeolian twice-dried bread. For this recipe, the people of the Aeolian Islands use totani (flying squid). The recipe works just as well with squid found in the U.S. Since squid is often sold cleaned and in parts, be sure to get one set of tentacles per squid body to ensure that there will be enough stuffing. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

When a generous garnish of pesto gets stirred in, the soup turns a vibrant green and becomes perfumed with the intense and sweet aroma of basil mixed with garlic.

Ground turkey would make a fine substitute for beef in these Southwest-style burgers (grill until cooked through).

Plum fans take note: The jam recipe here is a stand-alone bonus, especially if that tree in the garden is overloaded. (You can triple the jam recipe below for a yield of two generous cups and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.) Pastry novices should also note that this is one napoleon that holds together beautifully when sliced — so go for it.

Helen Yard of Flagstaff, Arizona, writes: "I fell in love with Latin food after spending some time in Central America and Mexico assisting with bird studies. Now I study birds along the Colorado River back here in the States. We've got a crew to cook for us in the field, but when I return home I never miss a chance to get busy in the kitchen. " Serve for breakfast with hot buttered tortillas. A poblano is a fresh dark green chile, often called a pasilla, and is available in the produce section of most supermarkets.

The sweetness and creaminess of this cheese celebrate the breaking of the traditional Russian dairy-free fast that precedes Easter and provide a nice contrast to the salty meats and bold flavors of the rest of the holiday menu.

Creamed spinach gets a makeover with three cheeses and a vibrant garnish.

The shortbread cookie crumbs will hold together in the pan without any additional butter. Fromage blanc gives this cheesecake a light and silky texture.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

This old favorite is a delicious way to use up cold turkey.