Bon Appétit

This creamy-crispy take on mashed potatoes, similar to a giant latke, is ideal for a dinner party because it can be assembled ahead.

With different hues of orange and gold, this dish makes a great holiday side.

Order the roast a week ahead from your butcher. It needs to marinate overnight, so be sure to begin one day ahead.

Inspired by all that's great about Sephardic cooking, this roast chicken feels both homey and exotic. What to drink: A light- to medium-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors is just the thing. Try the Giacosa 2005 Dolcetto d'Alba (Italy, $20) or the Campo Viejo 2000 Reserva (Spain, $13).

Serve this Basque-style dish with rice or bread to soak up all the juices.

For a more substantial meal, add cooked udon noodles to the broth.

Brunch and dessert collide in this delicious dish.

The one-two punch of peas in this healthy vegetarian soup is dynamite.

A cook's dream: The base is made ahead, and the shrimp are added at the last minute. Best of all, the gumbo tastes even better the second day.