My mother loved gratins, and leftover meat and cold cuts always found their way into our pasta, usually along with zucchini or peas. I have made gratins for my family through the years. The gratin can be made ahead, sprinkled with Parmesan, and kept, covered, at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerated for up to a day before it is finished in the oven. If refrigerated, bring back to room temperature and bake on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes in a 425-degree oven until heated through and lightly browned on top. Do not try to keep the cooked gratin in a warm oven for more than 10 to 15 minutes, or the pasta will swell up in the liquid and become gooey.

serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • corn kernals
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • grated Swiss cheese
  • unsalted butter
  • all-purpose flour
  • milk
  • heavy cream
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese

My mother loved gratins, and leftover meat and cold cuts always found their way into our pasta, usually along with zucchini or peas. I have made gratins for my family through the years. The gratin can be made ahead, sprinkled with Parmesan, and kept, covered, at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerated for up to a day before it is finished in the oven. If refrigerated, bring back to room temperature and bake on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes in a 425-degree oven until heated through and lightly browned on top. Do not try to keep the cooked gratin in a warm oven for more than 10 to 15 minutes, or the pasta will swell up in the liquid and become gooey.

serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • corn kernals
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • grated Swiss cheese
  • unsalted butter
  • all-purpose flour
  • milk
  • heavy cream
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese
ready in about 25 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • salmon filets or other fish filet
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • pimenton
  • freshly ground pepper
  • salt
  • minced garlic
  • mayonnaise
  • juice of 1/2 lemon and a little zest
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • whole milk ricotta cheese
  • egg
  • butter
  • chopped parsley
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
ready in about an hour; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • Sauce:
  • olive oil
  • tomato juice or thinned puree
  • powdered oregano
  • basil
  • strong vegetable broth
  • Filling:
  • grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • sliced black olives
  • scallions chopped
  • little chopped parsley
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • whole milk ricotta cheese
  • egg
  • butter
  • chopped parsley
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

This is called the British National Dish. It was probably adapted from an Indian recipe.

ready in about an hour; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • lemon
  • veg oil
  • chili powder
  • garam masala
  • ground turmeric
  • tomato paste
Belongs to maggiwun Steak au Poivre 

You will want to lick the plate

ready in about 20 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • Kosher salt
  • whole peppercorns
  • unsalted butter
  • olive oil
  • heavy cream

This is called the British National Dish. It was probably adapted from an Indian recipe.

ready in about an hour; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • chili powder
  • veg oil
  • lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • garam masala
  • ground turmeric
  • tomato paste

To make baharat spice blend at home, use:
2 tsp allspice
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp cloves

ready in about 180 minutes; serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • water
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • small can tomato paste
  • Basmati rice
  • Pita bread