Gourmet

Our food editors dreamed up this variation on a classic theme for our "all-French" issue, published to coincide with the French republic's Bicentennial celebrations.

If making more than 2 pies, do not double this recipe but make multiple batches.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe produces a deliciously moist fish with a subtly salty flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The texture of this rice is moist and sticky, so do not expect fluffy individual grains.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Because these crab cakes are made with lots of crab meat and not much filler, they require gentle handling during cooking, but the results are well worth the extra effort. At the restaurant '21' the chef makes decorative squiggles with the chili mayonnaise using a plastic squeeze-bottle of the type used for ketchup at hot dog stands.

If fresh figs are difficult to find, a delicious alternative would be toasts or crackers spread with preserves-fig or peach, for example. If opting for preserves, use only half the honey called for in the goat cheese mixture. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.