Southern

The cornmeal biscuit topping adds some crunch to the winning combination of fresh strawberries and rhubarb.

There has been much debate over the strange name of this rice and bean combination. One theory suggests that "Hoppin' John" is a corruption of pois à pigeon, French for pigeon peas, with which the dish was originally made in the French colonies of the Caribbean, where it was likely created.

Cajun seasoning spikes this soup with heat, so adjust according to your taste. Serve with: Jalapeño corn bread and carrot sticks. Dessert: Cheesecake topped with thawed sliced frozen peaches.

"I've had some unforgettable meals during my travels," writes Chris Forney of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "but I've never felt compelled to request a recipe from Bon Appétit until now. While in Charleston, South Carolina, recently, my wife and I ate at the Peninsula Grill. I can't stop thinking about the coconut cake I had for dessert there." This impressive-looking cake will delight coconut-lovers. The filling needs to chill overnight, so be sure to begin preparing this dessert a day ahead of time.

This rich, savory dish (pronounced shrimp mah-lih-tone) is pure Cajun comfort food. In Louisiana it's often served as a side dish; it also works as a first course.

Serve this flavorful dish with corn bread or crusty French bread.

A quick one-bowl cake perfect for a last-minute birthday celebration or part dessert. Use the Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting recipe that follows or your favorite purchased one.

A healthful version of meatloaf that doesn't sacrifice taste for a lower fat content. Put leftovers on onion rolls with lettuce and tomato for a great sandwich treat.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Southerners expect and almost demand a savory spread at any even involving cocktails (which mans virtually all social get-togethers), so Mother certainly would never disappoint her guests at a formal cocktail supper, even when one or two other appetizers are served. (We won't even get into how Rebels also relish sweet appetizers with their drinks.) She uses this basic formula also to make crabmeat spinach, and ham spreads, so feel free to experiment.

Look for Old Bay seasoning in the spice section of the supermarket.

Both the sauce and the ribs can be made ahead, leaving just the grilling to be done at the last minute.

Over the past century, pecans have become closely associated with the South. However, walnuts were actually the pecan's predecessor in the Low Country, and were far more popular in earlier times.

This salad — named after the famous New Orleans sandwich — would also be good on oversize rolls. Suitable sides include onion rings and carrot sticks with blue cheese dip. End with praline ice cream cones.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Four-spices" usually include four of five spices and are commonly used to season forcemeats for sausages and terrines. I include all five. This is one combination of spices that I try to keep on hand in small quantities. This recipes is a suggestion; quantities and proportions given are typical but not written in stone. Vary the amounts to suit your own palate.