Cheddar

Miso is a combination of soybeans and rice (or another grain) that produces a thick, salty and flavorful paste. Here, it replaces mayonnaise or mustard as a spread for grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you enjoy spicy food, pass some hot pepper sauce to sprinkle on top of this light, soufflé-like omelet.

Wisconsin cheddar stars in these flavorful and easy-to-make biscuits.

(Tomato Cheddar Sauce on Toast) This rendition of Welsh rabbit, popular in early New England, was probably brought to America from Cheshire. Because the recipe substitutes tomatoes for the beer often used, it was considered suitable for children and invalids. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Some interesting food folklore: In his desperation to stay at the gambling table and assuage his hunger at the same time, Englishman John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, asked his manservant to bring him two pieces of bread with some meat in between, thereby inventing — need we say more?

In these easy scones, cumin seeds complement the sharp cheddar, and self-rising flour eliminates the need for baking powder or baking soda. If you prepare the dough the night before, you can just pop the scones into the oven when guests arrive.

These cheese sticks are a spin on the beloved southern spread "pimento cheese." Made from shredded Cheddar, mayonnaise, and chopped pimento peppers from a jar, it's used on everything from sandwiches to crackers and celery to burgers.

We tested this recipe with a variety of cornmeal brands, all of which worked fine. Do not substitute polenta, however; it made the soufflé much too heavy.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Sour cream can be substituted for the mascarpone, but the polenta won't be as rich.

Kids love this version of pigs in blankets.

These hot dog buns look very much like éclairs, which is no coincidence — they're made from pâte à choux instead of yeast dough. For more information about making pâte à choux, see If the Choux Fits Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Serve these as an appetizer with a salad of baby greens.

Serve a nice bottle of Merlot alongside.