Simmer

This thick soup has a texture almost like porridge.

For the best texture, don't overwork the meat mixture and use Parmesan that's ground to a fine powder ( use the processor or the rasp side of a box grater). For more heat, add 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper to the sauce.

Happy Noodle Restaurant uses local farmraised hybrid striped bass, rated a "Best Choice" by Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch guide, for this Thai-inspired dish.

A mixture of maple syrup and brown sugar tames the tang of the cranberries.

For perfect gnocchi, don't work the dough too much and add as little flour as possible. It's okay if the dough is a little sticky.

Celery leaves (which are left over from the celery used in the soup) are great in the dumplings.

The sauce would also be wonderful with baked apples or drizzled over ice cream.

For this twist on classic risotto, The Kitchen uses farro (hence the name "farrotto") instead of rice. No endless stirring required!

The key to this comforting soup? Tons of fresh veggies and a rich broth.

Simmering the celery root and potatoes in a combination of broth and milk enriches the flavor without weighing down the mash. Roasted cubes of Jerusalem artichokes make a great finishing touch. Serve the puree with roasted chicken or pork.

The spices that are added to the shrimp cooking liquid were inspired by Cajun crawfish boils.

Fresh figs should look plump and unbruised; ripe ones will give when pressed gently. Loosely covered and stored in a single layer, they'll keep for a few days in the fridge.

Bulgur can be found at natural foods stores.

There are so many variations on mashed potatoes—but this combination of potatoes and basil is a marriage made in heaven. Creamy potatoes and the fresh peppery basil really complement each other, and the Parmesan doesn't hurt, either. Everyone asks for seconds!

L'Albatros brings a taste of France to Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood. Cassoulet, bouillabaisse—and even escargots—show up on the menu. But the restaurant also dabbles in other regions of the world. There are pizzas, a burger, and this delicious take on shrimp scampi, an American classic.