Peanut Butter

Add chicken or pork to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course. Chopped roasted peanuts are a nice garnish.

This Cambodian curry is traditionally made with beef, but Mao Sokhen says his American friends prefer the chicken variation. Though you can use any brand of Thai red curry paste and Asian fish sauce for this recipe, Mao likes the brands recommended below because he finds they produce a dish that is closer to classic Cambodian flavor.

Remember the commercial that re-created the invention of Reese's Peanut Butter cups? A woman is walking down the street eating a chocolate bar, and a man is walking the other way eating a tub of peanut butter. They bump into each other, causing the chocolate and peanut butter to mix. Overcome by the new taste sensation, they immediately check into a motel (I may be misremembering that last part). I've never cared for the chocolate-peanut butter combo, so if that idiot had ruined my chocolate bar, I would have pushed him into oncoming traffic. But my mom, who says she's going to have chocolate with peanut butter for her last meal, swears by these cookies. She thinks they're even better than traditional chocolate chip cookies.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These thick, chewy brownies have a peanut-butter base and a chocolaty top.

This recipe was created to accompany Chicken Sates with Peanut Dipping Sauce . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An old-fashioned layer cake topped with a lusciously sticky icing.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For kids of all ages, this dessert is dense and chocolaty, and comes in a cute package. When was the last time you had a cupcake with chocolate sprinkles on top?

Juli Tsuchiya-Waldron of Tokyo, Japan, writes: "I was born in California but moved to Tokyo with my family when I was 6 years old. Now I'm 19, and have started a small craft shop where I sell my handmade place mats and coasters. Cooking is my other creative outlet. When my mother is too busy to cook for the family, I enjoy coming up with dishes that are interesting and nutritious but still quick." To turn this salad into a main course, add cooked shrimp and more vegetables, such as slivered carrots and red cabbage.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.