Ginger

If you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired meal, serve this fish with the pickled cucumber and cabbage.

Tender shortcakes accented with fresh and candied ginger are delicious complements to the strawberry filling.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Lee Schmidt of Wichita, Kansas, writes: "My wife and I just returned from our honeymoon in Mexico. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the elegant Mahakua Hacienda de San Antonio in Colima. Our last night there, we dined on the rooftop terrace and shared an amazing pineapple tartlet." Dice any leftover pineapple and use it, with its caramel syrup, as an ice cream topping.

Simmering cobs in the corn-broth mixture gives the soup extra flavor.

Caramelizing the top of this pudding adds an extra depth of flavor, but it's equally delicious without doing it. A blowtorch works best here; the broiler didn't give us the uniform browning we wanted.

Spoon this over vanilla ice cream, or serve it with dollops of Mascarpone Cream or sour cream.

Jamaica's native herbs and spices glorify the lush island's most popular meat. I serve this with Golden Pineapple Chutney . These chops need at least 4 hours' marinating time, and if you can let them sit overnight, they'll be even better.

This slightly spicy side dish is excellent with grilled meat or chicken.

Pumpkin adds beautiful color to the all-American cheesecake while pecan praline makes a southern-style topping. Begin preparing this cake a day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Perfect at the end of a fall meal. Top the dessert with sweetened whipped cream, or team it with scoops of vanilla ice cream.