Canadian

"Coyotes Deli & Grill in Banff makes the most amazing blue corn bread," writes Donna Sanché of Toronto, Ontario. "My husband and I had dinner there not long ago, and enjoyed the entire meal — but the corn bread was definitely the highlight. I've told all of my friends about it, and now I'd like to make it for them." This sweet corn bread is best served warm. If you can't find blue cornmeal, don't worry: Yellow cornmeal works well, too.

"While in Vancouver, we had a wonderful meal at Diva at the Met. The star of the show was the Stilton cheesecake. Could you persuade the chef to part with the recipe?" asks Mark Horne of Laurel, Mississippi. Editors' note: Pairing Stilton and rhubarb may sound like a joke, but we had to try it. It turns out that the joke's on us — the combination is terrific. Chef Michael Noble caramelizes the top with a blowtorch, but we think the cheesecake is also delicious without the crackly crust.

Skip the fuss of individual servings; this sheet cake sticky toffee pudding is cozier, easier, and, dare we say, far more festive.