Cheese
Broccoli-Mascarpone Soup
Start with a spread of smoked salmon, bread, crème fraîche, lemon wedges, and capers. Then serve this satisfying yet light soup as the first course.
Fusilli with Gorgonzola and Walnut Sauce
This will be a hit with fans of blue cheese. It's so rich that small portions would also be great as a starter or side dish.
Ham and Swiss Puff-Pastry Quiche
Classic taste, new look. The borders puff up beautifully to keep the filling in place.
Roasted-Garlic and Buttermilk Salad Dressing
Simply pour this rich dressing over wedges of crisp iceberg lettuce or quartered heads of romaine for a salad, or use it as a dip for crudités.
Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Parmesan Cheese
This rich, custard-like stuffing is also a great main-course option for vegetarians at the Thanksgiving table; it would be nice with a salad for brunch or lunch, too.
Turkey Chilaquiles
This is a soft-style version of chilaquiles, tortilla chips sautéed with chiles and meat and topped with melted cheese. Crema mexicana, a cultured Mexican cream, is available in the cheese and deli section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.
Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Gremolata
Traditionally, gremolata is made with parsley, lemon peel, and garlic. Here, Parmesan adds richness and pecans add crunch.
Blue Cheese and Caramelized-Onion Squares
Sweet caramelized onions and pungent blue cheese make a good pair in this simply elegant appetizer.
Spiced Sweet Potato Gratin
Who says a gratin has to arrive on the table in a baking dish? In this version, the potatoes, spices, and cheese are layered and baked in a springform pan, giving the dish a cake-like look.
Three-Cheese Sorrentinos with Tomato-Olive Sauce
These delicious ravioli come from the hot Buenos Aires restaurant Social Paraiso. Freezing the Brie for 20 minutes will make trimming the rind easier.
Serrano Ham and Poblano Corn Pudding
This comforting side would also be great for brunch.
By Roberto Santibañez
Swiss Chard with Beets, Goat Cheese, and Raisins
The slight bitterness of the greens is tempered by the sweetness of the beets and the raisins, while the cheese adds a creamy richness.
By Roberto Santibañez
Black Forest Torte
Coarsely ground black pepper lends a spicy note to this dense, moist brownie cake studded with dried cherries and chocolate chips.
Cherry Preserves are thicker than cherry jam and give the Black Forest Torte more body. Look for cherry preserves in supermarkets.
By Dorie Greenspan