Cheddar

Karen Schineller of Ridgewood, New Jersey, writes: "Every year, I visit my cousins in Dallas, and every year, we try a different restaurant. This time, we went to George. The short ribs came with the most unusual grits. I'd like to make them, but don't know where to start." This rich casserole would pair well with fried eggs at brunch. For a more savory version, simply omit the sautéed apples.

Try this with your next roast beef or pork sandwich, on either pumpernickel or rye.

The classic apple and cheese combo gets a fun twist in this delicious dish. What to drink: Taz 2003 Chardonnay, Santa Barbara ($20).

The little green chile makes an appearance in the burger and in its creamy ranch sauce. What to drink: Chateau Souverain 2002 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($22).

The Grilling Guru has a moral dilemma. To be strictly faithful to Louis' Lunch, he should tell you to top your hamburger with a liquid processed cheese, like Cheez Whiz. The Grilling Guru doesn't use Cheez Whiz himself, however, so he feels awkward about calling for it. So he's created a made-from-scratch cheese sauce that will satisfy the purist, while remaining faithful to the lurid orange cheese topping used by Louis'.

This hot chicken casserole is perfectly seasoned. Lots of celery and almonds give it a nice crunch. You may be inclined to leave off the potato-chip topping, but believe me, it won't be the same without it!

Extra-sharp Cheddar and malty English ale balance perfectly in this hearty soup.

Tracy Jones Midland, Texas, writes: "I wanted to share a Christmas breakfast recipe given to my mother, Cherry Jones, by Ann Westerman, a lifelong friend. My family quickly adopted the tradition of preparing this dish on Christmas Eve, then baking it on Christmas morning while opening our presents." The thick slices of garlicky bread in this dish are known as Texas toast.

English farmhouse-style white Cheddars such as Montgomery, Keen's, and Fiscalini were delicious in this pie. We also liked Grafton Cheddar, from Vermont.

Thinly sliced roast turkey can be used instead of Black Forest ham.

These drop biscuits are as tender as they are easy; since the dough isn't rolled out, there's no chance of overworking it. <p> This recipe is an accompaniment for <epi:recipeLink id"230464">Turkey Sloppy Joes on Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits</epi:recipeLink>.