Cornmeal and Currant Griddlecakes with Apple-Cinnamon Syrup

Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.

Just like the state fair, minus the crowds.

Yes, it's a shortcut in a microwave. It's also a gooey, fudgy, wildly good chocolate cake.

This cookie is an unintended “celebrity.” It’s one of very few cookies that customers ask for specifically upon arrival at Mokonuts.

Yeasted pancakes mixed with saffron and cardamom (called chebab) are typical of Gulf countries, but I must confess I much prefer these lacy thin crepes.

This cake was created from thrift and was supposedly named after its appearance, which reminded people of the muddy Mississippi River bottom.

We don’t bake with grapes as often as we should. But even the most average supermarket varieties come alive when roasted with a bit of sugar and seasoning.

Serve a thick slice for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.