Walnut

Stir-fried Sugar Snap Peas and Cherry Tomatoes and buttered couscous are great sides. Round out the meal with sugared strawberries and toasted pound cake.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"While in Greenville, South Carolina, we dined at The Palms, located in the Phoenix Inn," writes Marilyn J. Smith of Bradford, Pennsylvania. "All their food is outstanding, but I would particularly like the recipe for the Roquefort terrine. It was delicious!"

Few cookies are easier to make or more sublime to eat. I created them for my beautiful Hungarian mom, who called them finum, or refined. Sometimes we eat them with a strong cup of coffee as we play Scrabble, or after dinner, with a slightly chilled glass of sweet Tokay wine.

Camembert aux Noix Amuse-Bouches Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 50 min

A colorful and unusual first course.

This can also be made with turkey cutlets.

These irresistible treats are filled with dried apricots, figs and cherries as well as dates and walnuts, and are topped with a cream cheese frosting.

Here's a rich treat that's filled with creamy chocolate ganache and garnished with ripe strawberries.

(Apple Walnut Cake) This cake's unusual name was taken from the relative who originally passed down the recipe.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's an excellent new use for maple syrup. These bar cookies are very sweet and deliciously sticky.

Can be made in 45 minutes or less.

Red pears are first choice here, but any ripe, firm pears would be delicious. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.