Carrot

Espagnole is a classic brown sauce, typically made from brown stock, mirepoix, and tomatoes, and thickened with roux. Given that the sauce is French in origin, where did the name come from? According to Alan Davidson, in The Oxford Companion to Food, "The name has nothing to do with Spain, any more than the counterpart term allemande has anything to do with Germany. It is generally believed that the terms were chosen because in French eyes Germans are blond and Spaniards are brown."

This puree is a wonderful vegetable side dish for any cool-weather braise or stew.

This gravy makes a nice accompaniment to the broiled polenta sticks and the roasted squash and mushrooms , as well as the <epi:recipelink id="230982">sautéed Broccolini.</epi:recipelink>

There are many kinds of Korean pancakes, but bindaedok, made with yellow mung beans and whipped eggs, have a light, airy texture. They are very versatile, and work well as an hors d'oeuvre, side dish, or vegetarian main course.

Though the spices in these carrots hint at North Africa, this dish will fit in well with a traditional North American meal.

Mirin, miso paste, and hot chili oil are all available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets. Serve with: Steamed, salted edamame, and cold soba noodles with a peanut dressing.

Malena Marie Beanik of Hollywood, California, writes: "Although I grew up in Philadelphia, I haven't lived there for years. But whenever I'm back in town I make it a point to spend some time in Manayunk, one of my favorite neighborhoods. During my last visit I ate at LeBus and had a fantastic chicken skewer appetizer."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Root vegetables were often used to lend sweetness to eighteenth-century cakes and puddings. The carrot cake layers in this recipe are sandwiched with marmalade and iced with a cream cheese frosting.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Mashed banana gives this dessert extra moistness.