Recipes

Make crispy mashed potato pancakes that stay fluffy inside in a snap with leftover mashed potatoes. I like to make one large potato pancake and slice it into wedges, but you can make individual-sized potato pancakes, which are easier to flip, if you prefer.

Crispy, Japanese-style tempura shrimp made with homemade tempura batter. Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or finger food at your next party.

Shrimp fra diavolo, "shrimp brother devil" if we are being literal for comic effect, is really good and turns any pile of pasta or rice into a memorable meal. Some people like to add a little lemon, but I don't think it needs it unless your white wine is too sweet.

In this delicious shrimp Creole recipe, tomatoes and shrimp are cooked up with garlic and onions. This Gulf Coast tradition will have you dreaming of the bayou. This recipe can either be a main dish or a side dish. You can adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce. Serve over rice.

Generally, I'm not a huge pancake person, but I just can't get enough of these. Too often, I find them to be too heavy and dry, but the ones I make, adapted from the recipe my mom made when I was little, are everything I think a pancake should be. Light, delicate, and slightly tangy--they come out perfectly fluffy every time. These are also a favorite with my kids. On Sundays, when we all sleep in and are lazy, I make these along with bacon, fresh-squeezed juice, and hot tea and coffee for our family brunch.

Bánh xèo (bahn SAY-oh) is a popular street snack in Vietnam. The name means "sizzling pancakes or crêpes" and refers to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot skillet. Serve these shrimp-studded crêpes with lettuce, fresh mint and basil, and nuoc cham dipping sauce.