Gin

For a quick and easy version, just stir one cup of praline into a one-quart tub of vanilla ice cream that has been softened slightly.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

When making the following dish, start one or two days ahead to allow time for marinating the pheasant and making stock. The extra time involved, much of it unattended, is necessary to develop the rich flavors of this savory pie. For those who want to forgo the pheasant, the pie would also be delicious (and less time-consuming) made with chicken. Substitute 1 pound chicken thighs, 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, and chicken broth; marinate the chicken and prepare the pie in the manner outlined below.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 10 hr (includes soaking raisins)

Suzanne Rackley of San Rafael, California, writes: "My husband and I had a fabulous dinner at Cobalt in New Orleans. I had the salmon with Martini sauce, and it was great. I would love to impress my friends and family with a new way to serve our favorite fish."

Passion-Fruit Champagne Cocktail

Variant: King's Peg (Napoleon)

Gins that emphasize fruit botanicals, such as Tanqueray No. Ten, work best with this recipe. Active time: 25 minutes Start to finish: 1 day

Sauerkraut gets a smoky taste from bacon and sausage in a recipe from Orbit, a Polish restaurant in Chicago.

At the restaurant, orzo (rice-shaped pasta) is served alongside the gravy-rich lamb.