630 elegant recipes

Elegant French pastry with puff pastry, vanilla pastry cream, and glazed apricot halves resembling sunny-side eggs. A playful Michel Richard classic.

Tender white chocolate cake studded with almonds and coconut, layered with billowy whipped cream frosting folded with toasted coconut for elegant celebrations.

Refreshing chilled strawberry ginger soup with fresh berries and spicy warmth. Elegant cold fruit soup perfect for summer entertaining or light dessert.

Delicate crepes filled with homemade almond cream, folded in quarters, and garnished with shaved chocolate. Elegant brunch or dessert for special occasions.

Elegant frozen chocolate mousse bombe with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and egg yolks in a make-ahead frozen dessert for special occasions.

Chocolate-dipped California figs stuffed with walnuts or marshmallows. An elegant no-bake candy with just three ingredients. Perfect for gift boxes.

Crispy puff pastry sticks glazed with orange sugar and drizzled with melted chocolate. Makes 60 elegant little matchsticks with just 6 ingredients.

Classic French leeks vinaigrette, poached until just tender and dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. A simple, elegant side dish served warm or chilled.

Composed romaine and watercress salad plated over Belgian endive spears with a savory basil anchovy sauce. An elegant, restaurant-style first course.

Cantaloupe Melba with sliced melon, raspberry sherbet, and a fresh raspberry Melba sauce. An elegant no-cook dessert with optional orange liqueur.

Poached pears with chocolate drizzle: Bosc pear wedges simmered in white wine and apple juice with warm spices, then crowned with melted dark chocolate. An elegant light dessert.

Seared beef tenderloin sliced thin and rolled around blanched asparagus spears with horseradish chive mayonnaise. An elegant cold appetizer or light main course.

Macedoine of fresh fruit marinated in rum and orange juice with oranges, apples, pears, bananas, raspberries, and walnuts. An elegant French fruit dessert.

Oyster mushroom chowder with fresh oysters, mushrooms, shallots, and cream in a light roux-based broth. A quick, elegant seafood soup ready in 30 minutes.

Crispy golden phyllo cups filled with a creamy smoked trout, horseradish and scallion mixture, topped with cool shredded cucumber. An elegant make-ahead appetizer that yields 48 bite-sized pieces.

Breaded pork chops braised until tender, topped with a warm sour cherry sauce spiked with cinnamon, cloves, honey, and Madeira wine. An elegant but approachable dinner.