Cheese

Buy steaks that are at least 1 1/4 inches thick; that way, they can be seared without getting overdone. The Mediterranean-flavored butter adds a great taste accent. Also offer mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, and drink a Burgundy or Pinot Noir.

Green peppercorns can be found packed in brine in the specialty foods section of most large supermarkets.

This dish is said to have first been prepared in the imperial kitchens for Sultan Murad IV in the early 1600s.

A quick appetizer or light main course.

This stuffed potato is practically a meal in itself; just add a salad, and you're all set.

This recipe makes more dressing than you'll need. The remainder makes a great everyday dressing for any type of green salad, or a delicious dip for chicken wings or raw vegetables.

"My family has subscribed to Gourmet since 1942 or 1943," says Hope Mihalap of Norfolk, Virginia. "This uncomplicated hors d'oeuvre was first served to me at a cocktail party in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, some 35 years ago." "Since then I have discovered other people who make it. Some thinly slice the onion and top it with the mayonnaise and cheese, while others chop the onion and mix it into the mayonnaise. Either way, it's delicious." This is one retro recipe we're glad to revisit. Of the two preparation methods Hope Mihalap describes, we preferred chopping up the onions — the toasts are a bit easier to eat that way. Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 15 min

Good as a side dish or meatless entráe.

When tossed with the warm pasta, the blue cheese melts into a silky sauce. A Côtes du Rhône is just the right accompaniment.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

"Every meal I've had at Addie's, a small place in nearby Rockville, has been great," says Alyssa Shooshan of Potomac, Maryland. "I especially like the lime cake; in fact, it's one of my favorite desserts. I do a lot of entertaining and would love to make the cake for a party."

For accompaniments, toss watercress and thin slices of red onion with Dijon vinaigrette, and add chopped fresh basil to stewed tomatoes. Pecan pie can top it off.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 40 min