Herbs & Spices

This Japanese eggplant recipe is all about that umami-rich miso glaze. Can't find long, skinny, Japanese eggplants? The glaze is good on all varieties of eggplant (and hey, carrots, too).

Skip the bottled ranch; make this dressing all winter long to add a tangy kick to salads and crudités.

"I was making breakfast at home one morning, and my son suggested using croissants for the French toast instead of bread," says owner Michael Stein. The swap was such a hit with his family that the dish soon made the restaurant menu. Stein is thrilled that the dish caught the eye of our young reader: "Sometimes you just have to let the kids have their way."

Drizzle this fragrant honey over your favorite cheese, or use it as a condiment on prosciutto panini.

If you manage to have any leftovers, this moist spice cake makes a nice afternoon treat with a cup of tea. For an extra-tart garnish, serve with Citrus-Cranberry Compote (click for recipe).