My Dearest Tom

Perhaps you didn’t know June is Turkey-Lover’s Month. So says the National Turkey Federation, which is putting its money where its mouth is with a turkey recipe contest. The winner (recipe must use at least one pound of turkey meat) gets $2,500; for more information, write to the federation at 11319 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Va. 22090. Deadline is July 30, so you actually get to work on your recipe a little during July, which is possibly Ahi Tuna-Lover’s Month.

Pavlova: It’s Tutu Divine

The Pavlova, Australia’s chief contribution to world cuisine to date, was created 68 years ago to honor the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova when she danced “Swan Lake” Down Under. It’s cholesterol- and gluten-free, like a huge marshmallow in a meringue crust crowned with fruit. The easy way to make it is to add water and sugar to an Australian product called Pavlova Magic, available at specialty stores such as Bristol Farms and Louis Foods in Pasadena.

Hard Times for Cod

In the last two years the Canadians have essentially stopped fishing for northern cod. One reason: The Russians are flooding world markets with cod. Even so, U. S. fastfood outlets have largely switched to lower priced fish such as pollock and hoki.