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Chefs will tell you that sometimes inspiration comes from the exalted—but just as often by chance. "I was shopping for porcini mushrooms at a restaurant-supply store and saw a bag of king oyster mushrooms sitting next to a package of some amazing pistachios," says Chang, though this sophisticated dish would never give away its accidental origins.

Few Asian meals are complete without pickles, which function variously as appetizers, condiments, salads, palate cleansers, and relishes. Here, Chang breaks down the process so you do the work once but get four very different quick pickles out of it.

Pan-roasting gives these paper-thin slices of turnip—a study in richness and lightness—a delicate sweetness.

We've never seen a spin on the ubiquitous combination of beets, cheese, and nuts as original as Smith's—it's an amazing take on familiar flavors. The beets are nestled in a pool of almond butter and crowned with a glorious Gorgonzola bombolone (an Italian-style puff of fried dough).

Try this tasty, nutritious combination from Gene Briggs, executive chef of Blue and Table restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. Folate in the asparagus helps prevent anemia; grapes contribute good-for-your-heart flavonoids.

Sweet summer corn, a whole-grain source of potassium, is delicious on its own. Even better: Spread it with one of the flavorful butter blends created by Bonaparte for a luxuriously indulgent touch.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are adapted from Molto Italiano by Mario Batali. It's part of a special menu created by Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. Scarola alle Acciughe There are basically two ways of cooking greens: the long, slow method, and this one, where much of their water content is still present, leaving the leaves with a definite chew.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are adapted from Molto Italiano by Mario Batali. It's part of a special menu created by Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. Tortiera di Patate This is the Italian version of spuds au gratin. There is no cream or milk, but with the creamy texture of the pecorino and the pleasing crunch of the bread crumbs, it is definitely comfort food.

Try this with the Moroccan-Style Roast Chicken .

This recipe was created by chef Lachlan Mackinnon Patterson of Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado. It's part of a special menu he created for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. Frico caldo are Italian cheese crisps. Chef Mackinnon Patterson's version includes potatoes and onions and makes for a slightly thicker crisp, similar to a potato pancake. Start making this recipe a day before you plan to serve it. The pickled shallots and cilantro vinaigrette are best if prepared 24 hours in advance.

This satisfying fall salad uses familiar ingredients in unexpected ways.

Try this for breakfast or as a side dish.

Asiago cheese can be found at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Italian markets.

If your toddler doesn't want the toast part, give him a more finger food–friendly bowl of cooked, unmashed beans. Four-star chefs wait all year for the same privilege.