Fish

Start this romantic supper with Russian caviar and ice-cold lemon vodka. The main course is a simplified but impressive interpretation of the Russian fish pie known as kulebiaka, which the French call coulibiac. Offer Champagne with the entrée, and finish the meal with babas au rhum from a French bakery to complete the cross-European elegance.

A high-protein dish loaded with flavor. Purchased sorbet makes a nice dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Companion recipe to Smoked Fish Trio. These toasts would also be a simple and savory accompaniment to cocktails.

I always choose a fresh salmon caviar over lumpfish when price is a factor.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper and arugula share the stage with slices of tuna steak in the Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. Spoon the lentil salad alongside and offer chilled beer. Fresh pears and crisp biscotti round things out nicely.

Plank cooking is a Native American technique that imparts a subtle smoky flavor to fish, meat, poultry, and vegetables. It is recommended to use a plank of untreated Western red cedar made specifically for cooking purposes.

One bite of this exemplary antipasto entirely changed the way I thought about Italian cooking—and cooking in general. So Zen-like in their elegance and simplicity, so little and yet so much said, these delicious little dreamboats truly capture the dreamlike state of the Amalfi coast and the cooking that defines it. The cured anchovies will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This is a great salad to make when you have leftover grilled salmon.

Lovely for lunch or with a salad for dinner.