Shallot

Serve these pastries as the first course of a special-occasion supper — maybe with a bottle of chilled Champagne.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This easy-to-make dish combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the briny essence of capers.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 40 min

If you don't want to cook a live lobster for this recipe, buy 2/3 pound cooked lobster meat from your seafood shop. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr (includes chilling)

Green beans go upscale in this fresh take on a favorite Thanksgiving dish.

"Not long ago I dined at the Cobalt Tavern in San Francisco's North Beach," writes Georgia Ewing of Edina, Minnesota. "The sage-roasted chicken by chef Guy Ferri was excellent. Any chance he'd share the recipe?"

This fragrant mélange mixes starchy tastes with sweet. The dish is like a stir-fry, only it's done in the oven—a great, no-fuss way to cook a slew of vegetables.

The slightly sweet sautéed shallots add a twist to the classic Swiss cheese fondue. In addition to the bread, boiled red-skinned baby potatoes cut in half make great dippers.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

Truffle oil adds earthy nuances to this summer soup, but don't worry if you don't have any on hand: The soup will still be good without it. Open a nice bottle of Champagne to go with the meal.