Chicken

Kia Ly Dickinson of Miami, Florida, writes: "This fragrant soup is so good you will be freaking out. It can be served hot or cold, with rice. The recipe is an ode to my homeland, Vietnam, and I'd like to share it with my new friends in America." This recipe calls for fresh lemon verbena, but you can substitute 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass if lemon verbena is unavailable. Both ingredients are sold at specialty produce markets, but lemongrass is also sold at Asian markets and some supermarkets, so it may be easier to find. If using lemongrass, discard 1 or 2 outer leaves, then thinly slice lower 6 inches of stalk. Finely chop, then sauté along with chiles and garlic.

A rustic one-pot meal that's similar to the classic French coq au vin. Two kinds of wild mushrooms add earthy flavor.

Pam Norby of Amery, Wisconsin, writes: "I'm originally from California, but my husband and I moved to Wisconsin so we could live in the country. We raise animals and grow most of our own fruits and vegetables. I like being able to just walk outside and pick fresh ingredients that don't take a lot of time to prepare. Serious grocery shopping is a long drive away, but thanks to the Internet, I can order just about any specialty food I want." Thin slices of cooked roast beef can stand in for the chicken.

Inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman A retired master chef in contemporary Taiwan makes elaborate Sunday dinners for his three increasingly uninterested daughters in this 1994 film. While the women carry on their busy lives, the chef discovers he is losing his sense of taste and finds solace in a new love.

Jennifer Janesko of Kansas City, Kansas, writes: "I had an amazing egg drop soup at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian, in Las Vegas. It had a slight kick of lemon and was perfect after a long night of blackjack. Could you get the recipe?"

In this version of gremolata, garlic is omitted and rosemary and orange peel are added to the traditional mix of minced parsley and lemon peel.

These healthy sandwiches get a kick from the curry powder. Serve with: Potato chips, red grapes, and a rice wine-marinated cucumber salad.

Serve with: Tabbouleh (bulgur salad), and green beans sautéed with almonds.

Malena Marie Beanik of Hollywood, California, writes: "Although I grew up in Philadelphia, I haven't lived there for years. But whenever I'm back in town I make it a point to spend some time in Manayunk, one of my favorite neighborhoods. During my last visit I ate at LeBus and had a fantastic chicken skewer appetizer."

This recipe is sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tikka curry paste — used to season the chicken — can be found in Asian markets, but any mild Indian curry paste can be substituted.