Gourmet
Stuffed Shells
By Bartholomew Daniels
Pork Chops with Apple Balsamic Sauce and Blue Cheese Tomato Gratin
By François Kwaku-Dongo
Japanese Cold Noodles
Somen
Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr
In a six-part series in 1975, correspondent Elizabeth Andoh taught us about the reverent seasonality of Japanese cuisine. It was with this summer recipe that many of us learned that noodles as well as rice are eaten in Japan. The concept of icy-cold noodles took only one taste to grasp: Andoh's recipe for somen is one of the lightest and most refreshing pasta preparations we've ever had.
Angel-Hair Pasta with Sauteed Squid
Fideua con Láminas de Sepia Salteadas
Fideos are a vermicelli-style noodle, sold in nests, that comes in several thicknesses. For this delicate dish, it's important to use the thinnest fideos possible, cabello de ángel (angel hair). Cuttlefish (sepia), a marine cephalopod of the same family as octopus and squid, is widely available throughout northern Spain; fresh squid is much easier to get in this country, however.
Toasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds
Besides serving these crunchy pumpkin seeds in our chili and chopped salad, we love to make up a batch to keep on hand as a snack.
Couscous with Lamb Stew
Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 3 1/2 hr
This recipe, which accompanied our 1954 article on Tunisia, called for what were then two very exotic ingredients. One, the granular pasta called couscous, is now commonplace in supermarkets across America. The other, dried rose petals, is available by mail order.
Deviled Ham on Celery
We wanted to give this savory starter a modern look for the photograph, so we cut away the curved edges of the celery to make flat pieces. If you're short on time, it looks just as nice with the edges left on. You will have about 1/4 cup deviled ham left over — you can make a few more celery hors d'oeuvres or simply put it in the fridge to serve on crackers the next day.
Radicchio, Frisée, and Artichoke Salad
Insalata di Radicchio, Frisée, e Carciofi
Including raw artichokes in a salad is an Italian trademark — their flavor is fresher and milder than that of cooked artichokes.
Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr
Braised Rabbit with Egg Noodles
More supermarkets are carrying fresh rabbit, as people rediscover its delicate flavor. Braising helps to keep it moist and tender. If you have trouble finding rabbit, however, you can substitute bone-in chicken, skin removed.
Speedy Pizzas
Personalize these pizzas after cooking them by adding your favorite toppings, such as prosciutto, basil, arugula, or roasted vegetables.
Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min