Perhaps some things in life shouldn’t be cheaper by the dozen. A North Carolina chef takes a look at the real cost of food—and flavor.

The spirit of Japan comes through in this dish: It is lovely to behold and has a delicate, light quality, yet the extraordinary flavors will seize your attention with the culinary equivalent of surround...

Ginger and Shaoxing rice wine give a deep, round intensity to chicken. The salty savor of country ham and chestnuts make each forkful a hit.