Beverages

The ganache needs to freeze overnight, so start preparing it at least one day before serving.

A few blocks from Seattle's Pike Place Market, Cascadia is an occasion-worthy restaurant that celebrates regional ingredients with impeccable taste. Same goes for the dessert menu: No flights of fusion fancy here or innovation for novelty's sake, just suavely executed renditions of old favorites that feel new. You can freeze any extra unfilled cream puffs for another use.

The truffled fries are an inspired, luxurious accompaniment.

Serve over couscous, if desired.

Raymond Williams of Minneapolis, Minnesota, writes: "Every November, my wife and I drive to our winter home in Scottsdale, Arizona. We always look forward to warming up in the desert sun and eating at our favorite restaurant in town, Zinc Bistro. Last winter we had an outstanding artichoke and celery root salad there."

Serve with: Sesame breadsticks, and arugula tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peach Barbecue sauce . This side is also great with barbecued ribs or chicken.

Charles Alfonso of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, writes: "One of my favorite local restaurants is Dish Osteria and Bar, a place I discovered a few months ago. The food is so good that I go back nearly every weekend. The best dish I've had so far is the duck with polenta and lingonberry sauce." The restaurant serves the duck with a side of rapini sautéed in garlic and olive oil.

The mushrooms that top this pizza are simmered in a white wine reduction, which gives them a zippy sweet and acidic bite.

Star anise, cinnamon, and apple cider give this dish the flavors of fall. Add some wilted greens and a nice Zinfandel, and you've got a sophisticated dinner party.

Serve with: Orzo tossed with butter and sliced green onion, and sliced roasted beets.

Both elegant and hearty, these individual tartlets make a lovely first course.

The leftover brandied cherries will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For an attractive garnish, thread a 4x1/2-inch strip of orange peel on a short skewer and top with a cherry, then place in drink before serving.

This rendition of India's popular yogurt shake makes a cooling counterpoint to any spicy dish.