Dried Fruit

St. John's Jug Muffins "I was given the recipe for these muffins years ago, and I make a batch of the batter every winter," writes Judith Cadigan of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania."When the urge for a muffin strikes, you can bake just one instead of a whole batch, and put the remaining batter back in the refrigerator." Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 hr

These puffed little squares of pancake, based on Austria's Kaiserschmarrn, are delicious with a quick fruit sauce: Thin your favorite jam with a little water and lemon juice, then heat until hot.

"When I was a small child, my father used to take my elder brother and me to New York City for St. Patrick's Day," writes Stephanie Foley of Massapequa, Long Island. "We would spend the morning marching in the parade while my mother, back in Long Island, prepared a feast of corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. But what we all truly looked forward to was her Irish soda bread. It's savory and substantial — and unlike any other I have tried. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do."

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Use two 6-mold nonstick mini-Bundt-cake pans or giant-muffin tins for these.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 3 hr

The radicchio is seasoned in the style of a Sicilian agrodolce ("acid-sweet") dish, which typically combines a vegetable with raisins, pine nuts, vinegar, and a sweetener.

The most difficult part of this recipe, other than assembling the ingredients, is marshaling the patience to wait while the chutney rests in the refrigerator. The chutney will keep for 2 weeks, as long as it's covered and refrigerated.

"During a visit to Biloxi, Mississippi, I had dinner at The Seafood Buffet in the Grand Casino," Brenda Hill of Ann Arbor, Michigan. "The bread pudding was served with a wonderful spiced rum sauce. I'd be grateful to have the recipe for this decadent dessert."

This recipe is an accompaniment for Brined Pork Loin with Onion, Raisin, and Garlic Compote .

"I have never been a great fan of bread pudding, but the chocolate version at Cresheim Cottage Cafe, in Philadelphia, is outstanding," says Dan Ragland of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "The owner (a neighbor, no less!) won't give me the recipe. Maybe you'll have more luck." Any unsweetened cocoa powder will work well, but for the richest, darkest pudding, use Valrhona. Serve this bread pudding with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Oregon's Willamette Valley produces great wines — as well as prunes, hazelnuts, and apples, which combine in this dessert.

Mole Poblano Mole is very time-consuming to make, but you can begin up to three days ahead. The results are well worth the effort. In Mexico, this is served with rice or unfilled tamales.

The Moroccan theme continues with this delicious salad and the vegetable kebabs .

"While visiting my sister in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, we had a delightful dinner at the Mountain Town Station Brewing Company and Steakhouse," writes Marge Frazier of Houston, Texas. "The salad with greens, fruits, and nuts was amazing. Plus it had a creamy maple dressing that was delicious."

These clafoutis-like puddings are best served warm. This dessert can be made using a 9-inch pie plate instead of the gratin dishes.