Walnut

The crust and filling can be made ahead.

Sweet potatoes make this moist; cranberries and walnuts add texture and color.

Serve this tangy and delicious hors d'oeuvre spread on toasted baguette slices.

"One evening my husband took me to a marvelous restaurant, Al Biernat's, in nearby Dallas," says Janice E. Bryant of Irving, Texas."I had an innovative salad—greens tossed with grilled pear slices, walnuts, blue cheese and a terrific vinaigrette."

"On a trip to Chicago, my daughter and I enjoyed a memorable meal at Pane Caldo downtown," writes Terrie M. Barr of Troy, Illinois. "Everything was terrific, especially the black olive and walnut spread served with the bread." Offer this flavorful spread with French-bread baguette slices that have been brushed with olive oil and toasted in a 350°F oven until golden.

"While visiting my sister in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, we had a delightful dinner at the Mountain Town Station Brewing Company and Steakhouse," writes Marge Frazier of Houston, Texas. "The salad with greens, fruits, and nuts was amazing. Plus it had a creamy maple dressing that was delicious."

Toni Grekin of Deposit, New York, writes: "This recipe was given to me by my friend Barbara Leeds. It's wonderfully rich and overwhelmingly addictive." Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Charmaine Haravey of Niwot, Colorado, writes: "I love spending my days in the mountains. It's one of the reasons that I moved to Boulder County. But since I started my new job, I don't have as much time to hike, ski, or enjoy my other favorite activity — cooking. Spending time in the kitchen has now become a luxury. Instead of making a complete meal in the evening, I prepare "single-girl food" — namely cookies, grilled sandwiches, and egg dishes. But I don't use that expression negatively. I never miss an opportunity to share a batch of cookies with my friends."

If fresh figs aren't available, dried black Mission figs can be substituted here; look for ones that are soft and moist. What to drink: Crisp Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the entire meal.

The Middle Eastern tone is part of this cake's appeal. A very nutty cake is suffused with a honey-citrus soaking syrup, much like baklava in concept but flour-free, making it suitable for Passover. A little goes a long way. For large Seder crowds, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9-inch springform pan or a 9 by 13-inch rectangular pan. I serve this cake cut into small squares or diamonds placed in small muffin liner cups. Copeland Marks, in his book Sephardic Cooking, attributes this to Turkish cuisine. Joan Nathan calls it "Tishpishiti" in her book, Jewish Cooking in America and points to Syrian, as well as Turkish roots as does Claudia Roden in her book, Mediterranean Cookery. A nutty classic indeed! My version is inspired by a recipe simply called "Nut Cake," found in From My Grandmother's Kitchen, by Viviane Alcheck Miner with Linda Krinn. If you are interested in Sephardic recipes along with a very engaging family history, this book is a real find.

This style of tart, which has a texture reminiscent of pecan pie but is spiced with cinnamon and lemon peel and studded with raisins, is a specialty of the Borders, a southeast region that stretches from the English border to just south of Edinburgh. Many variations exist, some of them simply called "Border Tart." This one has as its namesake the village of Ecclefechan. Serve the tart at room temperature for afternoon tea or barely warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a scattering of toasted walnuts.

"While on vacation in central Utah, I stayed in Bicknell at a wonderful place called The Lodge at Red River Ranch," writes Nancy Schmauder of University Place, Washington. "The granola was a breakfast treat worth getting up for." This crunchy granola has a touch of sweetness from honey and brown sugar. It makes a great breakfast served with milk, or a good snack eaten plain. Note that it can be made up to two weeks ahead.

Pumpkins are grown throughout the middle states, and Missouri is the world's largest supplier of black walnuts. The pumpkin gives the finished biscuits a golden color and moist texture, and its taste is complemented by aromatic spices. To go alongside, mix butter with honey and then lace it with ground cardamom.

If you've never tried roasted cauliflower before, this dish will be a revelation.

As in all of Italy, pasta is served as a first course (primo) in Tuscany.