Crab

Traditionally used to enclose a savory filling, wonton wrappers are cut and fried into crisp triangles here, lending crunchy texture to soft crabmeat.

Peter Tulaney of Brooklyn, New York, writes: "Your magazine has inspired me to become a more creative cook. I've tried this recipe a few times, and the reviews have always been good. The crab cakes are best served over a bed of mixed organic greens in a light vinaigrette."

If Chinese broccoli isn't available in your area, you can substitute regular broccoli.

Serve this quiche (John Travolta's favorite) for lunch or dinner with a green salad.

For a particularly light and crunchy coating we used panko (coarse Japanese bread crumbs) on these crab cakes rather than regular bread crumbs. Panko is increasingly available in this country, not only in Asian markets but also in seafood shops.

You won't even need a fork for this no-fuss supper. Include some top-of-the line potato chips and mixed pickled vegetables on the menu, and have ice cream bars for dessert.

A nice do-ahead starter for an elegant meal.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Japanese bread crumbs, called panko , give these cakes a light, crisp coating. Panko is sold at Asian markets and can often be found in the seafood section of large supermarkets. But if it's unavailable, plain dry bread crumbs are an acceptable substitute.

A narrow strip of land at the southwestern tip of India, the state of Kerala is interlaced with a network of lagoons, canals, lakes, and rivers. Peddlers sell fish from these waters and other food by boat along the canals. This curry is styled after the ones these boatmen cook for themselves. It incorporates many ingredients of the Kerala kitchen: black peppercorns, fiery red chiles, mustard seeds, and the ubiquitous coconut. In India they toss about 20 fresh curry leaves into the kettle along with the onion, garlic, gingerroot, chiles, and peppercorns. These aromatic leaves can be difficult to find in the U.S., but if you locate some, by all means use them.

Look for Gold or Strawberry papayas. Their sweet flavor complements this tangy crab salad beautifully.

Chilpachole de Jaiba This typical dish is adapted from a recipe given to us by our official guide, Ricardo Muñoz. Although picking the crabmeat is time-consuming (enlist a friend to help), you will be rewarded with a truly exceptional soup.