Saute

These peel-and-eat shrimp are great fun. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.

We think bowls made of ice are the perfect vessel for this soup, but if space is tight in your freezer, regular soup bowls will work just fine. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 8 1/2 hr (includes chilling)

Bonnie Wilkens Metully of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: "As much as my husband and I love to go out to eat, it's just more fun, intimate, and cozy to cook and entertain at home. I've taught a lot of our friends just how easy it is to prepare restaurant-quality dishes themselves. Who taught me? My older sister, who's a professional chef. She showed me the importance of getting everything prepped beforehand and seeking out the freshest ingredients." This sophisticated appetizer is one of Bonnie's greatest party hits.

"My husband, Garry, and I do a lot of business travel together these days," writes Sheryl Hurd-House of Jupiter, Florida, "so one of our favorite things is spending a very lazy Sunday morning at home reading the paper, sipping Bloody Marys, and having a nice brunch. This blueberry croissant French toast is one of my fastest, and most popular, brunch dishes. It’s Garry’s new favorite, and when our kids come to visit, they love it, too." A rich and delicious way to use leftover croissants. Sheryl always keeps some in the freezer, just in case.

This poultry dish features many of the flavors of the classic Moroccan dish b'stilla but is much easier to make.

This is from Tabla, where it is served with tamarind chutney and pappadams, the savory wafers that accompany most Indian meals.

Fennel Braised with Garlic Many Jews of Ashkenazic descent do not consume legumes during Passover, and, of this group, there are those who consider fennel a legume.

Vary these pancakes, if desired, by sprinkling one-fourth cup blueberries, raisins or even chocolate chips over each pancake before turning it to finish cooking.

"My friend Lily Shapiro and I developed this recipe together," says Amy Lesen of Oakland, California. "It has been tested on many friends with great success; the blend of ingredients is just delicious." If you'd like to make your own pasta, our technique video will show you how.