Cracker

We loved L.A. chef Mary Sue Milliken's crisp baked-tortilla crackers in her pool-party menu (August 2000). Here, we invent our own version of them.

Cheddar is much easier to grate when it's very cold, so keep your cheese in the refrigerator until you are ready to proceed with this recipe. Don't be tempted to use anything other than a nonstick skillet, or the chips will stick and tear.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Like savory shortbread, these are wonderful when paired with wine, salads or soups.

Even if your crackers fail to puff, they'll still taste delicious. This recipe is an accompaniment for Scallop Chowder .

This recipe was created to accompany Chunky Clam and Bacon Dip Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These delicate, buttery crackers make excellent accompaniments to cocktails. After a few days they become somewhat softer but can be recrisped in a 300°F, oven for 5 minutes.

These oat biscuits—similar to shortbread cookies—are wonderful with seasonal grapes and a good-quality triple-cr
me cheese. Triple-crème is a soft, creamy cow's-milk cheese (with at least 75 percent milk fat) that has a luscious, mild flavor. Because of its natural sweetness, it's perfect with dessert; Pierre Robert, Explorateur, Le Chevrot, or Chaource are all excellent choices.

You can top the spinach parmesean custard with some broken-up frico for added crunch or simply enjoy them on the side. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.