Food Processor

Baked in individual ring molds, these little desserts feature caramelized pears, streusel topping and sweetened cream.

Cooking the curry powder over low heat for a short time eliminates any raw taste and sweetens the spice.

Chef Lionel Lévy uses black olives in this unusual clafoutis but still serves it as a dessert, along with a mâche salad drizzled with lemon-honey vinaigrette. We like that combination in place of an after-dinner cheese course, but we also think it makes an excellent (and surprising) first course.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Salt Cod Fritters)

This dressing can also be used as a refreshing condiment for spicy curries.

The following pesto — created for Sherried Parsnip Soup with Hazelnut Pesto — would be great on pasta (use about 3/4 cup for 1 pound pasta, thinning the pesto with some of the pasta cooking water), grilled fish and meats, or vegetables. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Roasted poblano chilies add a wonderful smoky flavor to this pizza; however, if they are not available in your area just omit them from the recipe.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

In the following recipe the veal is roasted on top of the stove, a cooking technique that was developed in Italy before home ovens became commonplace. Unlike braising, this method uses only a small amount of liquid and results in meat that is succulent and tender but not falling apart. Pan roasting also renders a delicious caramelized coating and savory pan juices. Surprisingly, the anchovies do not impart a strong fishy flavor but rather add rich depth. Do not salt the meat before browning it, as the anchovies have salt aplenty.

For Golden Pumpkin adn Apricot Layer Cake Try any extra puree with biscuits or waffles.

An intriguing dessert from Restaurant Le Beaujolais in Banff, Alberta, Canada. For the best flavor, be sure to serve the tart warm.

Ninety-nine percent of cava—Spanish sparkling wine—is made in Catalonia. So it's natural that the bubbly beverage has found its way into many elegant Catalan desserts. Here it is combined with the luscious flavors and bright colors of strawberries and oranges in a refreshing sorbet.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.