Cured Meat

Quiche made its way from France to our shores in the sixties, but it was in the seventies that its popularity soared.

Healthy bonus: Vitamin A and lycopene from the red peppers

As with many widely made classic dishes, the recipe for alubias de Tolosa will vary with each Basque cook; however, this version is fairly representative.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Mary garnishes the soup with fried brioche croutons, crème fraîche and fresh chervil.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Beet salad is delicious alongside. Rewarm leftovers for lunch the next day.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Stitt likes to use rock salt — the kind used for old-fashioned ice cream churners — as a bed for these oysters because it keeps the shells from tipping and sliding around in the pan and on the plates. Rock salt is sold at many supermarkets, but kosher salt is a good substitute. At the restaurant, Stitt makes this recipe with local Apalachicola oysters, though he also likes the flavor of East Coast varieties such as Blue Point, Pemaquid, and Malpeque, so feel free to use your favorite.

The beans need to soak in water overnight, so start this recipe at least a day ahead.

Some thickly sliced tomatoes and hot corn bread would be good with this country-style dish. A great choice for dessert is rustic stewed rhubarb with dollops of sour cream.

This recipe is a variation on the classic English dish toad in the hole, which combines Yorkshire pudding batter with English sausage. If desired, you may substitute Canadian bacon for the Irish bacon called for. You will need to sauté the Canadian bacon in 1/4 cup additional vegetable oil because it does not contain the same amount of fat as Irish bacon.

Here's an easy but sophisticated side dish that makes a great accompaniment to prime rib, pork chops or veal.

A delicious blend of classic flavors.

The turkey's flavors of bacon and sage are repeated in this robust stuffing. Mushrooms, which have long been hunted in the heartland, add a nice touch.