Alcohol

The fragrant roasted birds are served with a pan sauce containing whole garlic cloves. Accompany the hens with a crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce, and pour a light Chianti throughout the meal.

Pour a full-bodied red wine, such as a Bordeaux, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

A pretty, pale pink sorbet enhanced with a splash of Champagne.

If you don't feel like making your own vanilla ice cream for these red, white and blue sundaes, simply pick up a premium brand at the supermarket.

This uses the same ingredients found in boudin blanc, the classic French white sausage. Start two days before serving.

This cool indulgence is actually made with light cream cheese and low-fat sour cream. Begin preparing it the day before your party.

Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You don't know where the fish ends and the potatoes begin in this beautiful and satisfying dish Chef Desmond, of Island Cottage on Hare Island in Ireland, uses turbot that comes from the waters off nearby Clear Island. We call for halibut, which is more readily available here.

Cunetto House of Pasta in St. Louis has an excellent grilled skewered chicken entrée. Sometimes I even make a special trip just to have it. Could you request the recipe? Georgeann King Memphis, Tennessee

The classic appetizer incorporates sweet and luscious ingredients for a terrific dessert from ObaChine in Beverly Hills.

Setting the skillet that contains the caramel onto a larger skillet of ice cubes is a clever way to prevent the caramel from burning.

Serve garlic toast with this to mop up all the savory broth.

Canadian bacon makes a great accompaniment.

A sophisticated finale that's easier than pie. If you have a little extra time, you might make your own pastry shell.

We enjoyed this dish served at room temperature, but it is also delicious warm.