Salmon

Unlike salmon fillets, salmon steaks have bones in the center. Any leftover red-wine butter is delicious on beef, lamb chops, chicken, or mushrooms.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Whole roasted salmon always makes an impressive main course. Be sure to have the salmon cleaned when buying it. Begin preparing the fish the day before the party. Serve Champagne to keep things festive.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Start this romantic supper with Russian caviar and ice-cold lemon vodka. The main course is a simplified but impressive interpretation of the Russian fish pie known as kulebiaka, which the French call coulibiac. Offer Champagne with the entrée, and finish the meal with babas au rhum from a French bakery to complete the cross-European elegance.

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

The salmon can be grilled two ways. The first method requires a fish-grilling basket, which can be found at many cookware and barbecue stores (use one that's about 18 by 6 inches for this recipe). The second technique doesn't call for any special equipment at all — just a rimless baking sheet and a spatula.

In the early part of the decade, an appreciation of Asian flavors, a desire for spa-style cuisine, and the popularity of sushi dovetailed with the creation of this appetizer, usually prepared with raw salmon or tuna. The dish is now found on restaurant menus nationwide. This version, which calls for smoked salmon, features a wonderful combination of Pacific Rim flavors.