December 2004/ January 2005

Feature Articles		Page
A SENSATIONAL MENU THAT LETS YOU BE WITH YOUR GUESTS by Randall Price A filet of beef and a savory mushroom filling wrapped in phyllo is the centerpiece of a do-ahead menu		44
SHRIMP COCKTAIL, BETTER THAN EVER by Rori Trovato Searing, roasting, and poaching give a classic hors d'oeuvre fresh flavor twists		50
CREATING ELEGANT WINTER SALADS by Maria Helm Sinskey To make great salads now, choose truly seasonal ingredients with contrasting flavors and textures		52
A TRIFLE OF CHOCOLATE, CHERRIES, AND CREAM by Elinor Klivans Layer the flavors of a Black Forest cake for this showstopping make-ahead dessert		57
CRISP COATING, MOIST CHICKEN, FLAVORFUL FILLINGS by Jennifer C. Martinkus and Derrin Davis Try a straightforward method for stuffed chicken breasts with a golden crust and great flavor		60
MAKE THE MOST OF A MUSHROOM SOUFFLÉ by Lynne Sampson A flavorful mushroom sauté can be a delicious side dish -- or the base for a pasta, a gratin, or a savory tart		64
HEARTY BAKED PASTA by Tony Rosenfeld Follow an easy formula and use pantry staples to create delicious, warming baked pasta for a crowd		68
Departments		Page
RECIPE INDEX		6
MENUS		8
LETTERS		10
CONTRIBUTORS		14
IN SEASON Sweet, juicy oranges taste best in winter		18
Q&A Braising liquid levels; judging cake doneness; when to replace a steel		24
GREAT FINDS A gift for every cook: olive oils, chocolates, wineglasses		26
BOOK REVIEWS Cookbooks with heart -- the best of 2004		28
ENJOYING WINE Pairing wine and cheese		32
EQUIPMENT Pepper mills		36
READERS' TIPS		40
FROM OUR TEST KITCHEN Dry-aging beef; working with phyllo, choosing peppercorns; tasting ketchup		74
ADVERTISER INDEX / FINE COOKING SHOPPING GUIDE		83
WHERE TO BUY IT		84
2004 INDEX		88
NUTRITION INFORMATION		90
FOLDOUT SECTION Quick & Delicious: Easy hors d'oeuvres		90c

A Sensational Menu that Lets You Be With Your Guests; Shrimp Cocktail, Better than Ever; Creating Elegant Winter Salads; A Trifle of Chocolate, Cherries and Cream; Crisp Coating, Moist Chicken, Flavorful Fillings; Make the Most of a Mushroom Saut; Hearty Baked Pasta