Not just for cowboys, packaged dried beef makes a wonderful starter for this dip, with smoky adobo chiles, toasted pecans, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Notes: For deeper mushroom flavor, stir hot mushroom slices sautéed in butter (see Note below) into the pasta, or spoon them over the top as a garnish. PREP AND COOK TIME: About 30 minutes.
"Every New England cook has a personal version of mussel soup, depending on the favored regional herbs and cooking customs. Feel free to start with my recipe, and develop your own luscious variation." —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Flour tortillas pinch-hit as a crisp crust for this hearty pizza loaded with chicken and vegetables. Toasting the corn in a skillet brings out its natural sweetness and adds a deliciously smoky note.
Vietnamese rice paper wrappers (also called báhn tráng) are easy to work with once you’ve moistened one or two and gotten a feel for how they soften up. You can also serve these wraps as appetizers by slicing them in half on the bias and serving them standing pointy-end up.
Spicy sprouts, such as broccoli, arugula, or leek, give sushi rolls a delicate crunch and peppery flavor. A sushi mat makes it easy to wrap the nori and rice tightly around fillings, but it’s not necessary.
