Squash

"I have never been a bread-pudding fan," writes Marie Hernandez of Chicago. "But after trying the pumpkin bread pudding at Wildfire restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois, I think I've changed my mind. Had I know that this dessert could be so good, I would have started eating it long ago." Do as the restaurant does, and serve this with sweetened whipped cream.

"The Watermark restaurant here in Cleveland is my favorite place to take out-of-town guests—and I find other excuses to go, too," writes Bob Charleton of Cleveland, Ohio. " Last time I went there, I had lunch in the Garden Room, a glassed-in space overlooking the Cuyahoga River. The highlight of the meal was an unusual pumpkin soup topped with cheddar cheese." Surprisingly easy to make, this soup is flavored with cumin and chili powder.

Many packages of pork tenderloin contain 2 tenderloins weighing about 3/4 pound each. If you happen to get a package with 1 larger tenderloin, simply cook it a little while longer.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr While you could make one without the other, Blue Ginger's shrimp toasts go so well with this flavorful soup that the two recipes function as a pair. We think of the combination as an Asian twist on soup and a sandwich.

Fried sage leaves make a crispy garnish. Try them also crumbled on mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Wilt the vegetables over low heat, stirring often so they do not burn.

Try a glass of Rioja and some crusty bread with this lovely autumn dish.

My friend and colleague Ric Lands learned a similar recipe, using squash from my book New Southern Cooking. He and his family so enjoy this zucchini version that they make it every Thanksgiving, as do I. It can also serve as a rich main course for a light supper.

The heat in fresh poblano chiles varies considerably; you may want to use more than one in this dish if they are not too hot. The sautéed vegetables can sit at room temperature for several hours before serving.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min