Cheese

These layered desserts are a pure flight of fancy. Inspired by the Italian dish lasagna, they use a traditional Peruvian fruit and cheese combo and add the very French technique of brûléeing sugar to create a brittle caramel. Villaran tops them with a caramel crown for a dramatic presentation, but they are just as delicious with nothing more than a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

This recipe was created to accompany other canapés: Shrimp Canapés, Pickled Herring Canapés and Smoked Mackerel Canapés.

(GNOCCHI DI SPINACI ALLA BAVA) Spinach adds great color and flavor to these light dumplings. The topping consists of melted butter and Fontina cheese, a product made in the neighboring region of Valle d'Aosta but used for many local dishes.

Serve this robust dish alongside the <epi:recipelink id="109317"">skirt steak with cilantro sauce</epi:recipelink>.

Tangy crème fraîche and a very grown-up rum-pineapple topping take cheesecake to an entirely new level. For best results, use Philadelphia-brand cream cheese.

(Tortelli di Patate alle Salsicce con ragù) The recipe makes more pasta dough than you'll need for the tortelli. Roll out the extra, and cut it into 1/2-inch-wide ribbons for pappardelle, 1/4-inch-wide ribbons for fettuccine, or any length and width you prefer. The pasta can then be used fresh, or it can be dried for use at a later time (leave the pasta on floured kitchen towels at room temperature until it is dry). Or use all of the dough for any recipe that calls for one pound of fresh pasta.

Active time: 3 hr Start to finish: 4 hr

Melanie Riggs of Jackson, Mississippi, writes: "Last winter, I visited some friends in Minnesota. We had a fabulous meal at Redstone American Grill in Minnetonka, where I ordered an amazing steak with a blue- cheese-flavored crust." The Japanese-style breadcrumbs known as panko give the steaks a light, crispy crust.

Here's a simple and versatile pesto: It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and a spoonful of it enhances everything from soup to chili. Add three cups of diced cooked chicken to the pasta to make a satisfying main course that serves four.

For a nice vegetarian meal, offer these latkes with a Greek salad. Stir chopped fresh mint into yogurt to have with the latkes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

(Savory Sandwich Torte) A variety of fillings can be used in this savory sandwich torte, often served on special occasions in Sweden.

At the inn, the cake is decorated with Frangelico-flavored whipped cream and garnished with chocolate-covered almonds. Begin preparing the dessert a day ahead.

Yams are blended with regular russets in a nice rendition of mashed potatoes. If you decide to double the recipe, use a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.

If making these cupcakes for a large crowd, do not double the recipe but make multiple batches.