Fry

The predicaments of six kids growing up under one suburban roof were the cornerstone of each Brady Bunch episode. In "The Personality Kid," which first aired in 1971, Peter thinks he's dull and goes looking for a new image. Trying on Humphrey Bogart for size, he asks Alice what's for dinner. "Pork chops and applesauce," Peter repeats à la Bogart. "Ain't that swell." His parents and Alice make lighthearted fun of Peter's new accent. Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

While in Costa Rica, Boston chef Steve Johnson was inspired to make fish cakes from leftover red snapper and boiled yuca. The combination takes clever advantage of the vegetable's starchy character, which binds the cakes together while allowing the flavor of the snapper to come through cleanly. We prefer to use frozen yuca, which has a better consistency and is easier to prepare.

Sheila Stein of Woodbury, New York, New York, writes: "We've eaten several times at La Viola of Syosset. Their chicken française is excellent. Could you get the recipe for me?"

You can form the sweet-potato pancakes up to six hours ahead, leaving only a quick frying before serving.

Cooking chicken breasts on the bone keeps them exceptionally juicy.

Unlike oven-baked versions, griddle-cooked scones get a wonderful golden crust, which is a delicious contrast to the soft, tender interior. Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

Salsa de Chile Serrano Frito Serrano chiles give this Mexican sauce its bite and light green color. Use it on warm tortillas or grilled meats.

This recipe is a great use for cold leftover rice. Order extra rice with Chinese takeout or make a double batch of your own one night — you can keep it, chilled, up to 1 week. Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

French toast is always better if your bread is a little dry — a day or two old, or leave the slices out overnight. Serve these crusty slices with bacon and warmed maple syrup, jam, or marmalade, or sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Radicchio di Treviso has long, narrow, pink-to-red leaves that are similar in taste to Belgian endive. It can be found in specialty food markets.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Corn Tortillas with Sweet-and-Savory Ground Pork)

Chapati or Roti This is the basic bread of India—it is made every day in North Indian homes. Its smooth, soft, and very pliable texture comes from the finely ground whole wheat flour. Only water is added to make the dough. It is then rolled into thin rounds ranging in size from four to eight inches (the size varies from state to state) and baked on a griddle. It takes a bit of practice to learn to roll the dough properly. Don't worry if your first few batches are not perfectly round, or if they don't roll out to the full size indicated. With practice you will soon master this technique. In the meantime, the bread will still taste good, even if doesn't look perfect.

Keep the fried shallots, dip, chips, and raw vegetables separately; just before digging in, top the dip with shallots.

A custard-like texture makes these unique.

Turmeric add color and chilies add heat to this superb side dish. Mound it in the middle of the Vegetable Stir-fry.