Nut

Mole Poblano Mole is very time-consuming to make, but you can begin up to three days ahead. The results are well worth the effort. In Mexico, this is served with rice or unfilled tamales.

Serve this tangy and delicious hors d'oeuvre spread on toasted baguette slices.

The Moroccan theme continues with this delicious salad and the vegetable kebabs .

Each filling makes enough for one batch of cookies. Whichever filling you choose, be sure to prepare it a day ahead.

Maureen Abood of Chicago, Illinois, writes: "Whenever my mother visits my sister and me in Chicago, we have dinner at Mon Ami Gabi, where we can look out the large windows onto Lincoln Park as we eat. I'd love to make the luscious chocolate tart served there for my mother the next time I'm home." The soft caramel filling is a terrific showcase for — and contrast to — the toasted nuts.

"One evening my husband took me to a marvelous restaurant, Al Biernat's, in nearby Dallas," says Janice E. Bryant of Irving, Texas."I had an innovative salad—greens tossed with grilled pear slices, walnuts, blue cheese and a terrific vinaigrette."

"On a trip to Chicago, my daughter and I enjoyed a memorable meal at Pane Caldo downtown," writes Terrie M. Barr of Troy, Illinois. "Everything was terrific, especially the black olive and walnut spread served with the bread." Offer this flavorful spread with French-bread baguette slices that have been brushed with olive oil and toasted in a 350°F oven until golden.

"While visiting my sister in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, we had a delightful dinner at the Mountain Town Station Brewing Company and Steakhouse," writes Marge Frazier of Houston, Texas. "The salad with greens, fruits, and nuts was amazing. Plus it had a creamy maple dressing that was delicious."

Toni Grekin of Deposit, New York, writes: "This recipe was given to me by my friend Barbara Leeds. It's wonderfully rich and overwhelmingly addictive." Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

These clafoutis-like puddings are best served warm. This dessert can be made using a 9-inch pie plate instead of the gratin dishes.

(Amanida amb Epàrrec i Pernil) A Catalan composed salad, or amanida, may be made of almost anything, though ham, sausage, or anchovies are often included. Traditionally, the ingredients are added to the final presentation individually rather than mixed together. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Small, slender green beans can stand in for the haricots verts, a petite French variety, in this easy classic.

The salad can remain at room temperature up to two hours before serving.

Charmaine Haravey of Niwot, Colorado, writes: "I love spending my days in the mountains. It's one of the reasons that I moved to Boulder County. But since I started my new job, I don't have as much time to hike, ski, or enjoy my other favorite activity — cooking. Spending time in the kitchen has now become a luxury. Instead of making a complete meal in the evening, I prepare "single-girl food" — namely cookies, grilled sandwiches, and egg dishes. But I don't use that expression negatively. I never miss an opportunity to share a batch of cookies with my friends."

If fresh figs aren't available, dried black Mission figs can be substituted here; look for ones that are soft and moist. What to drink: Crisp Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the entire meal.

This is a variation on the Sicilian classic gelo di melone, which is steeped with jasmine flowers. We substituted anise seeds but kept the traditional garnishes of chocolate shavings, pistachios, and whipped cream. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes chilling)

At the bakery, Rather makes both cupcakes and bundt cake with this recipe. The hint of cinnamon in the batter is a nod toward Mexican chocolate, which often contains cinnamon and spices.