Gourmet

Don't be put off by this recipe if you don't like the slippery texture of okra — it disappears when the okra is coated in batter.

These mushrooms take the place of snails in a play on classic escargots.

Though you need only 10 cloaks to top the pears, these melt-in-your-mouth wafers are so delicious, your guests will clamor for seconds. If you don't have time to turn the wafers into cloaks, simply make flat tuiles and serve them on the side.

This delicious bread, which has been part of Egyptian cuisine since the time of the Pharaohs, gets beautiful color and vibrant flavor from dukka, a blend of spices and nuts widely used in the Middle East.

Pearl-like sushi rice cooks up slightly moist and sticky, so it forms a cake easily. Chilling the cakes before browning helps them hold their shape.