Jalapeño

For this dip, based on the Mexican queso fundido, you will need to use a flameproof dish set over candles or Sterno to keep the cheese melted. Kevin Taylor, chef of Cafe Iguana, Denver, Colorado also offers guacamole with the chips.

Al Forno restaurant put Providence on the culinary map, and grilled pizza-invented there by chef George Germon had a lot to do with it. Here's one to make at home.

This dish from Hotel d'Urville in Blenheim makes delicious use of New Zealand's green-lipped mussels.

The crust of this tart is tender and quite crumbly.

This slightly spicy side dish is excellent with grilled meat or chicken.

These versatile quesadilla can be passed as hors d'oeuvres, or offered at dinner as a first course or at lunch as the entrée.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

There is a historical reason why most Hanukkah menus offer foods that have been fried in oil. In the second century B.C., a one-day supply of oil inexplicably burned for eight days and eight nights after Judah Maccabee and his followers recaptured Jerusalem's Holy Temple from their Syrian oppressors. Hanukkah is the celebration of that miracle, and fried foods are served to commemorate the oil. In this country, the Eastern European potato latke is usually featured. These fritters are a Sephardic contribution to that tradition.

This zesty condiment is a wonderful addition to sandwiches. It also makes a great dip for raw vegetables and a superb sauce for fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe makes plenty of extra salsa to serve on tacos or with chips.

This spicy-sweet salsa makes a delicious accompaniment to grilled pork, chicken, or duck.