Dairy

Nigella Lawson If we're talking about family favorites, I couldn't leave liptauer out. It was the deli counter delicacy of my childhood and another eating item I'd all but forgotten about. But something made me remember it, and from taste-memory and some notes from the kitchen book inherited by my friend Olivia from her mother, I tried my hand at making it myself. I can confidently and categorically state that it's not some sentimental yearning that makes me want to see its comeback. You don't need to go in for the retro-molding here, just mix the ingredients and plonk them in a bowl if you like; but whatever, this glorious cream cheese, caper, caraway seed, and paprika combination, spread over sour black bread or — if you don't have the genetic taste for it — over slices of any dark or brown bread that you can get from the supermarket, is rhapsodically unbeatable.

Rosemary sprigs double as flavoring agents and skewers in this beautiful hors d'oeuvre. Only half of the pesto is used for this recipe; toss the remainder with pasta or spread thinly on crostini or grilled chicken breasts. What to drink: Pinot Grigio.

These are great with maple syrup, honey, marmalade, or even cottage cheese.

Sabrina Henderson of Gardena, California, writes: "My love of cooking dates back to my junior-high home economics class. After that I took home ec every year I could. My last teacher in high school was the best. He was a former chef who taught us how to make classics like lasagna and chicken cordon bleu. I still prepare those dishes for company."

I particularly like this version of whitefish salad, because there is no filler in it. Mark, a political consultant who served in the Carter White House, makes it for break-the-fast as well as during the year brunches.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Beef and Roquefort have a long-standing culinary partnership, but the thick and sweetly smoky slices of barbecued red onions are what really make these burgers great. Keep the meal all-American with chilled beer, homemade lemonade and iced tea. A fresh peach pie with vanilla ice cream is a perfect dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Great with eggs, chili, soup or stew.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

I’m always looking for ways to make interesting weeknight meals," says Sandy Stevens of Las Vegas, Nevada. "Since tamales are one of my teenagers' favorite foods, I came up with a new way to serve them. This casserole is a big hit with my whole family." The spicy casserole can also be made in a microwave: Cook on high until it's hot and bubbling, about 15 minutes; rotate the dish several times, if necessary.

This hors d'oeuvre is as simple as it is flavorful, and it's especially good in the summertime, when the best fresh tomatoes are available. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Vidalias star in a nice version of the relish that is essential to this New Orleans specialty. Try the relish on grilled halibut, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

A drizzle of chipotle-accented cream boosts the flavors in this refreshing summer soup.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.