Poach

A beautiful dessert that's just right for the season. Begin making it at least three hours and up to one day ahead. What to drink: Marsala or Asti.

Rita Seger of Peru, Maine, writes: "My husband, a friend, and I hiked a spectacular trail along the rocky cliffs of the northern Maine coast. After roughing it for a couple of days, we enjoyed a night at the Weston House Bed & Breakfast in Eastport. The next morning, one of the owners served a delicious version of eggs Benedict and mentioned that the sauce was easier to make than a typical hollandaise. Could you request the recipe?" In this quick variation on eggs Benedict, mayonnaise flavored with mustard and orange juice replaces the traditional egg yolk and melted butter sauce.

Côtelettes de Saumon Frais Dorigny Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Melting the chocolate in the pear poaching liquid makes an instant sauce.

An elegant, portable entrée. Baby greens with vinaigrette would round out the menu nicely. What to drink: A lightly oaked Chardonnay.

(Saumon Confit à l'Huile d'Olive, Petite Salade de Roquettes, Vinaigre de Balsamique) The idea to confit salmon is not original to me but one gleaned from kitchen gossip where recipes and experiments from chefs all over the world are discussed. I learned that many chefs were slowly cooking fish in duck fat but I thought that since salmon is so fatty to begin with, it would be better served if it was slowly cooked in something other than animal fat. Copper River salmon is my first choice for this dish but if it isn't available look for Alaska salmon. Both of them are very fatty and the fat really does make a difference as it ensures a very smooth texture in the finished dish.

A pretty and refreshing composed salad that can be made using only one skillet.

When poaching eggs for a crowd, we've found the baking pan method below to be almost foolproof. Have a friend help you wrap the eggs in salmon before they get cold. If you're working on your own, you may want to simply drape the salmon over the eggs.

Serve this fiery entrée with <epi:recipeLink id"100959">Five-Vegetable Stir-fry</epi:recipeLink>, and pour tall glasses of herbal iced tea to cool things down.

Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 50 min

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 12 hr Before you start this recipe, make sure there's room in your refrigerator for a 24-inch fish poacher and a 25-inch platter.

Let the bread sit at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until dry.

For a light alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pies, tequila-poached pears (above) provide a southwestern twist. Popular in Mexico and Central and South America, prickly pear jelly is paired with raspberries for the sauce. Serve with the Lemon Bizcochitos and dessert wine, such as Muscat.

With its sweet taste and firm flesh, mahimahi lends itself well to poaching. Halibut, swordfish and salmon would also be good prepared this way. Serve glasses of chilled Sémillon or Chardonnay to go with the main course.

A cardamom- and orange-scented syrup is spooned over warm pears and scoops of vanilla ice cream in this lovely dessert. Refrigerate leftover poaching syrup to serve over ice cream later in the week.

This all-in-one main course can be made several hours ahead.