Oven Bake

Throughout the Spanish-speaking world, thickened sweetened milk is a regular feature at dessert time (and, like all treats, whenever Mom isn’t looking). Though not difficult to make from scratch on top of the stove, the use of condensed milk eliminates the need for constant stirring. Be sure to check the water level in the pan about halfway through cooking; if it’s low, carefully add a little more.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr

A delicious and much lighter version of a favorite dish. Serve this gratin with roast chicken, pork, or beef.

A cross between spoon bread and tamale pie, this flavorful, colorful side dish is a huge crowd-pleaser. Assemble it at least one hour and up to one day before baking.

These mussels, flavored with garlic-herb butter and baked instead of steamed, beg for some crusty bread to sop up the wonderful sauce. Try them over pasta, too. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 35 min

Do not use a dark aluminum baking pan (including nonstick) for this recipe because the potatoes will burn. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Susan Stanley of Providence, Rhode Island, writes: "I vacationed in Alaska not long ago, and I can hardly wait to return. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, but I must admit that the delightful ginger-root beer drumsticks at the Snow Goose Restaurant in Anchorage were the real draw. Could you track down the recipe for me?" Although these are no longer served at the restaurant, chef Ron R. Sabado was happy to pass along the recipe. Accompany the spicy drummettes with cold beer.

This dish, flavored with achiote seeds, garlic, and spices, is based on chicken pibil, from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Traditionally, the chicken is baked in banana leaves, but here we've used collard leaves because they are more readily available. They add moisture and a bit of flavor but do not get tender enough to eat.

Lombo di Maiale Ripieno di Mortadella con Patate Arrosto This dish was inspired by a truffled mortadella we tasted in Rome. Good-quality mortadella can be found at butcher shops, at Italian markets, and even in the deli section of many supermarkets. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If one large fish is difficult to find, two smaller ones can be substituted.

This classic Swiss potato pancake and the Green Bean and Red Onion Salad are great together. Serve dry Champagne throughout the meal.

Offer this healthful Moroccan grain dish as a main course or as an accompaniment to roasted chicken.