5 Ingredients or Fewer

I can't begin to guess how much fried chicken I've cooked in my lifetime! Becaue it was a staple in our home during my childhood, it was a rite of passage for each girl child to learn to fry chicken like the womenfolk.

This is a simple version of Caffé Shakerata, an Italian specialty, to make at home. The formula lends itself to endless variations: Try replacing the simple syrup with vanilla syrup or mint syrup or your favorite cordial, such as sambuca, Frangelico, or Godiva.

VLC (Very Low Carb)
5.5 grams Carbs that Count Peperonata is a yielding compote of colorful peppers that stew in extra-virgin olive oil and their own sweet juices. Terrific served warm atop juicy swordfish, it is also delicious at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy this shot as an after-dinner drink or in place of dessert.

The original Diablo calls for crème de cassis, but here we've used black-currant nectar, which adds a woodsy flavor.

This traditional Brazilian drink gets an extra dose of tropical flavor from passion-fruit juice.

Though we've divided this recipe into two sections, it really contains just four ingredients: rhubarb, sugar, vanilla, and corn syrup. (Adding a little corn syrup to a sorbet helps give it a velvety texture.)

These thin cornmeal fritters go nicely with the flounder in jalapeño cream. They are made from the same type of batter as hush puppies, but not deep-fried.

Although this recipe is extremely simple, you need to be careful not to overcook the meat.

Luganega, a coiled slender Italian pork sausage sold at Italian markets and some supermarkets, often comes with flavorings such as spices and cheese. If you can't find it, substitute any fresh Italian sausage.