447 half half recipes

Microwave scalloped oysters: a holiday-table classic shortcut with shucked oysters, breadcrumbs, celery, and a splash of cream baked together in a covered casserole. Ready in 20 minutes, no oven required.

Easy shrimp etouffee with the holy trinity slow-cooked for two hours in margarine, then simmered with Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and two pounds of shrimp.

A traditional Greek soupies me spanaki: tender cuttlefish braised in olive oil with wilted spinach, spring onions, and lemon. Rustic Mediterranean seafood at its best.

Traditional Greek baklava with layers of buttery phyllo, cinnamon-spiced walnuts, and sweet lemon syrup. This classic nut strudel is crispy, sweet, and utterly addictive.

Oven-baked banana s'mores with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and sliced bananas. Indoor campfire treat ready in 20 minutes, no fire needed.

Classic French Nantua sauce built from live crayfish, cognac flambé, mirepoix, tomato, and cream, reduced to a velvety finish. A masterclass in old-school French technique.

The Australian hamburger with the lot: a beef patty stacked with a fried egg, bacon, cheese, grilled pineapple, and the all-important slice of pickled beetroot, plus caramelized onions and barbecue sauce on a toasted bun.

Use fresh rosemary, if possible (many supermarkets carry it). The flavor it imparts to the lamb will be far superior to that of dried. If you like, white potatoes may be substituted for the sweet potatoes, and turnips for the parsnips. You can also flavor lamb by covering it with lemon slices before roasting.

Shredded carrots and turnips baked in a rich Parmesan custard with scallions and parsley until golden and bubbling. An elegant, make-ahead side dish for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Peppery mozzarella salad with beefsteak tomatoes, avocado, and shallots in a crushed green peppercorn and lemon dressing. Marinated one hour for bold flavor.

Mexican fruit dessert with fresh oranges, bananas, and strawberries tossed in Kahlua coffee liqueur and topped with sweetened whipped cream and cinnamon. A no-cook, no-bake dessert ready in 20 minutes.

Peach tres leches cake soaked in three milks and peach schnapps, topped with star anise and cinnamon poached peaches, vanilla whipped cream, and crispy meringue strips.

This burrito is made with a combination of Mexican and American cuisine, that is sure to please American tastes.

Penne alla malefemmina, a no-cook Southern Italian pasta sauce of raw tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, and garlic marinated in olive oil. Tossed with hot pasta or served cold as pasta salad.

Fresh fruit tart with banana-cream filling: a graham-honey crust, creamy banana-gelatin filling, and a crown of plums, raspberries, and blackberries under a glossy strawberry glaze. Dairy-free and naturally sweetened.

Pressure cooker broccoli corn chowder with leeks and potatoes, ready in under an hour. Chunky, creamy, and packed with fresh vegetables.