Bon Appétit

There will be a bit of pistachio paste left over: stir it into your next batch of brownies.

It's all about the interplay between cake, syrup, and pears in this sophisticated dessert. The rosemary syrup would also be delicious in a cup of tea.

Cooking a pot of rice is much easier than tearing up and toasting bread for stuffing. Assembling the side dish a day ahead saves time, too.

This uses store-bought gravy and can be done a day ahead.

Fresh cardamom and vanilla seeds make for a version that's both sweet and sultry.

The warm spices in this version are the very essence of the holiday.

The pineapple may be unexpected, but it brings all the flavors together and makes them shine.

This no-muss, no-fuss cranberry sauce recipe gives you the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving roast turkey.

IMPROV: For a milder, creamier version, use a blend of Parmesan and Fontina instead of all Parm. (Semolina flour is sold at some supermarkets, Italian markets, and specialty foods stores.)

Serve with mustard-seed-crusted pork medallions. IMPROV: Use chopped fresh rosemary in place of the thyme.

Serve with red wine sauce .

Here's a grown-up spin on the caramel apple — in tart form.