Orzo

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

"Usually I rely on cookbooks or magazines for recipes, but occasionally I develop one of my own," writes Kimberly R. Diamondidis of Germantown, Maryland. "A few years ago, I created this delicious, hearty soup as a new way to enjoy turkey."

This zesty soup is based on a chicken and curry stew popular in the South. The origin of its name is unclear, but according to one account, it was brought to Savannah in the early 1800s by a sea captain who traveled the spice route from India.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

The rice-shaped pasta orzo is sometimes labeled riso or rosamarina.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Made with bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese, this resembles the spaghetti dish of the same name.

Orzo--the small rice-shaped pasta used here--is available at Italian markets and most supermarkets.

"The recipes here reflect my British roots, but not necessarily my family traditions," writes Mairi Morrison of London, England. "Although my mother is from Scotland and my father is from Northern Ireland, I grew up in Los Angeles, where our weeknight meals were typically American: spaghetti, tacos, and burgers. It wasn't until I moved to Europe that I became really interested in food. Here in London my social life is centered around the table. I really like this dish because it is typically British, and perfect for a rainy winter evening in London." A nice side with lamb, chicken or fish dishes.