Portobello Mushroom

Using the freshest eggs possible is the key to great poached eggs. This dish makes a savory breakfast or, when paired with a salad, a satisfying brunch.

At the end of the century, vegetarian cooking gained wide acceptance-and became sophisticated. Wraps (basically burritos) were a hot fast food; everything from Thai chicken to ahi tuna got "wrapped" in flour tortillas or flatbread. The two trends pair up in this terrific dish. To make these even more like burritos, add one 15- to 16-ounce can of drained black beans to the filling.

Although it would be years before most Greek cooking would become familiar to Americans, one Greek dish, moussaka, did catch on in the seventies.

You might have to grill these in batches.

"We dine at the Meridian Café whenever we're in Louisville. The portobello mushroom sandwich is our favorite," say Libby and Roys Ellinas of La Grange, Kentucky. "It has a tangy, creamy sauce that we would love to know how to make." Prepare this sandwich with any favorite bread — crusty country bread or artisan-style rolls would be especially good.

A great brunch treat.

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

Brushed with garlic oil, grilled over the fire and stacked onto crusty buns with plenty of burger trimmings, portobellos are this season's snazziest alternative sandwich filling.

An innovative presentation from Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. Chef Mark Monette always offers a few meatless main dishes alongside his game and fish specialties. He serves rice with this one to catch the juices from the ratatouille.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr (includes making stock) There's no need for your vegetarian guests to miss out on rich, delicious gravy to pour over the dressing.

In this recipe from Rick Tramonto, chef at Tru in Chicago, chewy pearl barley meets silky European butter in an outstanding alternative to arborio rice risotto. For best results, use Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Offer deli-bought orzo salad tossed with slivered basil and Kalamata olives, along with some grilled red pepper quarters. Raspberry gelato in sugar cones would be a cool dessert.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr