Bon Appétit

A silky-smooth panna cotta with the tang of buttermilk, this dessert is wonderfully easy to pull off. Any leftover sauce would be great spooned over ice cream.

Rajas (strips) of crisp corn tortillas and sweet mini bell peppers make a colorful garnish.

Look for carrots and parsnips that are about two inches in diameter at their thickest point; you don't want them to be too big or too slender.

Paper-thin slices of fennel, juicy grapefruit segments, and fresh parsley and mint make a beautiful winter salad. Using a V-slicer to cut the fennel helps the easy side dish come together even more quickly.

Garnish this no-bake bûche de Noël with purchased meringues.

A pandowdy is a deep-dish fruit dessert with a pastry topping. while The name may come from the fact that the dessert is typically dowdy-looking, we think this one is anything but.

Be sure to make the dough in a stand mixer (not a processor), which will prevent you from overworking it.

Brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavor to the soft filling. The nutty, slightly salty topping is the perfect finishing touch.

Chinese five-spice powder adds a complex, spicy note to this cake.

A complete, one-pot meal.

Fragrant persimmons star in this new take on the classic British cake.

Cupcakes for Thanksgiving? Why not? These treats pair tender cake with a salty-caramely frosting.

Old-fashioned mincemeat contained tiny bits of meat and/or beef suet, a type of fat. This modern, meatless version is a great mix of apples, dried fruits, and warming spices.

Here's a clean, bright dessert that makes a great finish to any meal and can be prepared days ahead. Plus, who knew that mellow vanilla would go so beautifully with tangy cranberries?

To prepare the brussels sprouts before cutting them, be sure to pull off the tough outer leaves. Thin slicing and simple seasonings will convert those who aren't fans of brussels sprouts. Petrale sole, a Pacific Coast fish, is prized for its delicate flavor and thick fillets.

Grilling the turkey frees up the oven for the rest of the feast. Learn how to turn out a perfect grilled turkey in PREP SCHOOL.

These empanadas are moist and full of flavor. If your gravy is thin, simmer to reduce and thicken it, then chill before using.