Food Processor

Unlike most tamal recipes, which use dried corn (masa harina), this one is Cuban-style, made with fresh corn kernels. I've also added a different touch by replacing the traditional pork filling with conch. The flavor and texture proved very popular at Yuca, and it remained on the menu as a fixture. These tamales are very convenient for entertaining. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, or kept in the refrigerator and then popped in the microwave. In fact, it's not worth making a smaller batch, so you'll probably want to freeze some of them. Likewise, the pesto can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.

(Cream of Carrot Soup with Ginger) Hot carrot soup in your belly at night feels good and soothing... Sweet dreams!

Purchased Mexican wedding cookies or any buttery nut cookie would be good with this dessert.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Meringue Napoleons with Lime Ice Cream and Blackberries .

These mussels, flavored with garlic-herb butter and baked instead of steamed, beg for some crusty bread to sop up the wonderful sauce. Try them over pasta, too. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 35 min

"I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' — that's what I call it — at my house every year," writes Frances Teasley of North Hollywood, California. "I know a lot of people who, like me, don't have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house." An impressive holiday entrée.

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

To clean leeks, trim off 3 inches of the green and then slice them in half lengthwise. Run under cold water to remove sand, then continue with the recipe.

This lovely dessert must be chilled at least two hours (or up to one day) before serving.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 6 1/4 hr (includes cooling and chilling)

Adapted from Dead Horse Ranch This unusual pâté is made with calves' testicles, also called calf fries. Despite the unique ingredient, bull butter has a milder flavor and more mousselike texture than traditional chicken liver pâté.

Strawberry sorbet dresses up this terrific, uncomplicated dessert.

The perfect picnic sandwich for summer.

For a picnic, transport the soup in a thermos.

You can make this potato cake right before grilling steaks, then reheat it on a baking sheet in the 450°F oven while the steaks rest.

Plain nonfat yogurt heightens the texture of this easy dip while adding a nice tang. To thicken the yogurt properly, it needs to be drained, so begin preparing the guacamole at least two hours ahead. Offer light beer and iced tea throughout dinner.

A traditional French assiette crudités (raw vegetable salad) just like those served all over Paris.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

One piece of gemelli consists of two strands of pasta-both about an inch long-twisted around each other to resemble a braid. These noodles are great for catching the juices in this garlicky entrée. If you can't find gemelli, use fusilli; it will work just as well.