10,000 pepper recipes

Crispy bread-cup croustades filled with baby shrimp in a Swiss cheese sauce with lemon zest and Worcestershire. Makes 3 to 4 dozen freezer-friendly party bites.

Crispy phyllo Parmesan straws layered with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a hint of cayenne, baked golden in 10 minutes. A light, low-fat cocktail snack made with pantry staples.

This is not called chicken dopiaza by M. Jaffrey. But last night I was at my favorite Indian restaurant here and I asked the owner what chicken dopiaza was and he told me it was this.

Traditional Norwegian spinach soup (Spinatsuppe) built on a rich chicken stock and thickened with a butter roux. Garnished with sliced hard-cooked eggs for a classic Scandinavian touch, ready in about an hour.

Creamy baked mac and cheese with sauteed peppers and onions in a velvety cheese sauce. A 30-minute comfort food classic the whole family will devour.

Kuba, a traditional Eastern European barley and mushroom casserole with dried mushrooms, butter, garlic, and marjoram. A hearty, earthy side dish for holiday meals and special occasions.

Suhour (the meal before sunrise) is usually good, stick-to-your-ribs food.

Homemade falafel made from cooked chickpeas mashed with tahini, garlic, cumin, turmeric and cayenne, then deep-fried into golden balls. Stuff into pita with cucumber, tomato, sprouts and your favourite sauce.

No-cook sun-dried tomato salsa with black olives, garlic, fresh basil, and red wine vinegar. Ready in 15 minutes, this Mediterranean-style salsa is a natural match for grilled seafood.

Instead of leaving turkey for Thanksgiving, try this succulent dish that will have you gobbling up every bit of it!

Oven-baked nacho cheese potato slices tossed with taco seasoning, barbecue sauce, green peppers, and onions, topped with melted cheese. A hearty Tex-Mex side or meatless main.

Baked and pan-fried falafel made with chickpeas, fresh parsley, cumin, and coriander, bound with soaked bread. Crispy outside, tender inside. Vegetarian and flavorful.

Creamy potato, leek, and salt cod soup finished with sour cream and fresh dill. A milk-based chowder with rich, briny depth that can be made a day ahead.

A simple and tasty side dish made with lentils and chopped celery and zucchini.

Panfried quail browns the little birds in butter with thyme and ham, then deglazes the pan with fresh white grape juice. A classic French country preparation for game lovers.

Onion tomato raita: a cooling Indian yogurt sauce with diced onion, tomato, and a sprinkle of chat masala. The classic side that tames spicy curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes.