Sour Cream

The almond-scented blueberry filling is sprinkled with a pecan topping.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

To save time, simply skip the topping.

A typical chili of the depression years consisted of cheap meat stretched by even cheaper beans. Chili remained modestly popular even when the hard times waned, until Lyndon Johnson boosted its national profile during the 1960s. Now chili is back and bigger than ever. Even with the modern addition of smoked jalapeños (chipotles), the inclusion of black beans and beer, and a stylish drizzle of lime crema, this recipe is a classic-hot, hearty and filling.

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

Whether you're watching the Super Bowl or just having friends over for a party, these potatoes are a great hors d'oeuvre. Feel free to double the recipe if you're expecting a big crowd.

Place mother-of-pearl caviar spoons in the crème fraîche and caviar bowls for spooning the toppings onto the potatoes. What to drink: Three-Olive Martinis and brut rosé Champagne.

A wonderfully homey cake that's equally good with afternoon tea, after a meal, or for breakfast with a cup of Italian roast coffee. Maple sugar is available at some supermarkets and at many natural foods stores.

Dollops of cinnamon-flavored sour cream top this luscious soup.

You can form the sweet-potato pancakes up to six hours ahead, leaving only a quick frying before serving.

"I've had some unforgettable meals during my travels," writes Chris Forney of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "but I've never felt compelled to request a recipe from Bon Appétit until now. While in Charleston, South Carolina, recently, my wife and I ate at the Peninsula Grill. I can't stop thinking about the coconut cake I had for dessert there." This impressive-looking cake will delight coconut-lovers. The filling needs to chill overnight, so be sure to begin preparing this dessert a day ahead of time.

A quintessential Polish comfort food, pierogies can be stuffed with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or wild mushrooms. Here, dried porcini are combined with cremini mushrooms, adding a woodsy depth to the filling. Served with golden sautéed onions and sour cream, these dumplings make a delicious main dish.

This is best eaten the day it's made — left to sit longer, the cake can get a bit soggy from the fruit.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.