Peanut

Shelling and skinning the raw peanuts for this recipe can be time-consuming. You might prefer to buy them at an Asian market, where you'll often find the work has been done for you. Some shelled peanuts (with skins) come already blanched. We found the best flavor came from those you shell and skin yourself.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In addition to being great with milk at breakfast time, this is nice sprinkled over yogurt, fruit or ice cream, or baked into your favorite granola cookies or bars.

At Loaves and Fishes we have huge glass jars filled with a variety of very large cookies. Since we opened our doors, we have had to refill the peanut cookie jar over and over each day. This recipe is for our loyal customers and our guests at the Inn, who enjoy a good cookie.

Rita Martucci of Wilmington, Delaware, writes: "Can you please get the recipe for the Saigon beef served at Zinc in New Haven, Connecticut?" Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 hr

For those who've found the consistency of okra unappealing, there are secrets to keeping it crisp and toothsome: Don't cut into the pod when trimming the stems and don't overcook it.

Pluots are a great stand-in for true plums in this recipe.

Pork ribs become satays with built-in "skewers." Great as party appetizers, the ribs can be made a day ahead, then grilled or broiled just before you serve them.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Though it's not essential to make both sauces for these wings, we think the contrast between the rich peanut sauce and the light-yet-spicy gai yang — a classic Thai sauce for poultry — is a flavor combination that shouldn't be missed.

The combination of salty, sweet, crunchy, and smooth gives these confections a special place in my heart. That, added to the fact that they made an appearance at every bridge and mahjongg game my mother ever hosted, elevates their status to serious nostalgia food. You can find cans of Chinese chow-mein noodles in the Asian food section of the supermarket. The ones you want are cooked and ready to eat like crackers.

For convenience, you can use the mini candy bars available in one-pound bags.