Goat Cheese

Truffle oil lends an earthy flavor; it can be found at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets. If you can't find the oil, these sandwiches will still be delicious without it.

María A. Alvarado-Gómez of Erie, Pennsylvania, writes: "I came to the United States as an exchange student, after spending the first 18 years of my life in Mérida, Yucatán. On school vacations I would go home and cook with my mother and sisters so that I wouldn't lose my touch. My mother was a skilled cook, and I was lucky to have learned at her side. Her food was so popular in our neighborhood that she sold portions of our daily meals to other families. With nine well-fed kids, she said we were her best advertisement. "I still take great pride in the food of my homeland. Yucatecan cuisine is known for its Mayan influence, and the essential ingredients we use — limes, spices, avocados, tomatoes, peppers — make for wonderful flavors. Now that ground spices are readily available and vegetables can be quickly chopped in a food processor, preparing traditional Mexican dishes is easier than ever." This dish is the Yucatecan version of huevos rancheros.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Serve as a first course on a bed of arugula or as a side dish with grilled beef or chicken.

Since the crust is made with purchased puff pastry, this delightful savory tart comes together easily.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Here is a beautiful and inventive salad that combines hearty beets, sweet-tart plums and tangy goat cheese.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The recipe calls for one cup of cream, but the soup tastes equally delicious without it.

The heartland is known for its grains and its pork; this first course features two of the region's best products—corn and bacon.

This delicious and easy-to-make salad would be nice with grilled lamb or steak.