Chimichurri is the star salsa of the Argentine grill, but the lesser known salsa criolla was my favorite when I visited that country. Full of onions, red peppers, and herbs, the mixture is a light but intensely flavorful condiment for grilled steak.
A simple baked French toast that won't have you slaving over a hot stove. An orange batter and caramel pecan coating make this baked French toast so delicious, you won't need any syrup.
Japanese Curry (kare) Rice. Unlike Indian curry Japanese curry is thicker, milder and sweeter. Learn how to make curry rice from scratch (without the blocks).
Spunky Cajun seasoning, velvety black beans and colorful vegetables keep this Cajun-Seasoned Vegetarian Gumbo lively, loaded and interesting. There's plenty of saucy liquid to flavor accompanying rice.
Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.
This was the best cookie that I have had. And so worth the tiny bite. Soft, chewy, and packed with amazing flavor. They baked perfectly and stayed soft.
I made this on a whim one Sunday morning when friends called and said they planned to drop by in the afternoon. It makes a lot, and I was able to serve our friends and the neighbors a casual supper. The seasonings and green chilies give the meat a spicy kick and taste fantastic with cool sour cream and fresh salsa.
This bark makes a lovely holiday gift from the kitchen. Fill a plate or cup with candy, then gather up clear cellophane around it and tie with red and green ribbons. —Susan Wacek, Pleasanton, California
