646 elegant recipes

Crisp steamed asparagus on baby lettuce with toasted hazelnuts and a tarragon-Dijon vinaigrette made with hazelnut oil. An elegant make-ahead salad or appetizer.

Roasted Cornish hens stuffed with fresh blueberries and brushed with a lemon-Angostura bitters glaze. An elegant, unexpected dinner that pairs fruit and poultry beautifully.

Walnut-crusted chicken breasts pan-fried golden and topped with a tangy raspberry-lime sauce made with sherry, seedless jam, and coriander. Elegant yet simple.

Dried figs simmered in orange juice, Grand Marnier, and ground ginger, then dipped in melted chocolate. An elegant no-bake confection for holiday candy trays.

Creamy bow tie pasta tossed with flaked smoked salmon, sweet green peas, scallions, and chives. A cozy, elegant dinner for two in just 25 minutes.

A layered vegetable terrine with golden carrot-cauliflower and earthy spinach-mushroom layers baked in a water bath, chilled, and sliced for an elegant appetizer.

Retro cucumber gelatin ring mold filled with a lemon-tarragon chicken salad. An elegant, make-ahead appetizer or luncheon centerpiece that's cool, creamy, and refreshing.

Oven-baked scallops in shells with chopped mushrooms, parsley, breadcrumbs, butter, and a splash of white wine. Simple, elegant French cooking in under 30 minutes.

Stacked cornmeal crepes layered with lobster, Manchego cheese, toasted pine nuts, and cilantro, baked under a silky poblano chile cream. Southwestern elegance on a plate.

A traditional Welsh prawn gratin with tender cauliflower, creamy bechamel, and crumbled Caerphilly cheese, grilled golden and served with piped creamed potatoes. Elegant comfort food.

Wine-poached scallop ceviche tossed with Roma tomato, shallots, capers, and red pepper flakes. An elegant, light appetizer with a Mediterranean twist on classic ceviche.

Elegant cepe consomme made by simmering dried porcini mushrooms in homemade chicken stock until deeply concentrated. Finished with a splash of Madeira for refined warmth.

A rich, velvety Chesapeake-style oyster bisque simmered with bay leaf, finished with cream and a splash of dry sherry. Serves 24 for elegant entertaining.

Steamed trout or salmon fillets topped with a creamy mushroom sauce made with sour cream, Dijon mustard, and white wine. Elegant enough for date night.

Three-ingredient chocolate mint candies made with milk chocolate chips, sour cream, and creme de menthe. Piped into elegant bite-sized treats, no baking needed.

Trout fillets baked in parchment parcels with julienned courgettes, carrots, mangetout, herb butter, and fresh mint. An elegant en papillote dish for a dinner party.