Buttermilk

These dramatic cakelike cookies are a New York City favorite — and we think they deserve a wider audience.

This cake is a southern tradition for festive occasions. It can be completely assembled and chilled one day before serving.

Drizzling sweet pickle juice over the warm potatoes is the secret to this delicious salad.

Melt some butter in maple syrup to drizzle over these slightly crunchy hotcakes.

Taller, heavier-weight paper molds — typically used for individual panettone, the Italian holiday bread — are used instead of regular muffin papers to create a more elegant look. Vanilla and Almond Frosting is an accompaniment for this recipe.

Patrice Bedrosian of Brewster, New York, writes: "In the days that followed September 11, 2001, I — like so many Americans — gravitated toward roast chicken, meat loaf, and anything that brought comfort and ease to my home. You see, my stepbrother, Jerry O'Leary, a 34-year-old chef working at Cantor Fitzgerald's corporate dining room in One World Trade Center, was among the many victims on that terrible day. "I feel quite certain that Jerry's love for cooking stemmed from his mother, Julie Lestrange. And as long as I can remember, she has always had something delicious waiting for my family whenever we visit. "I would like to share a recipe that Julie has given to me. My hope is that you will, in turn, share it with my fellow readers, encouraging them to enjoy this delicious and comforting Irish bread, to smile, and to remember the love between a mother and a son." Offer this easy-to-make bread with plenty of butter and your favorite jam.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A favorite recipe of Duncan Hines from Still Cookin' After All These Years.

Buttermilk and walnuts make the difference in this delectable layer cake.

What to drink: Fess Parker 2000 Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Santa Barbara County, or another sweet dessert wine with orange and honey flavors.

These muffins have the comforting flavor of graham crackers, with just a hint of cinnamon and sugar.

Prunes and Cognac add moistness and great flavor to this rich chocolate cake.

The silky texture and tangy buttermilk flavor of this panna cotta are irresistible. Start preparing the dessert one day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.