Bon Appétit

Remarkably easy, but pretty and elegant enough for a dinner party.

Elaine O'Toole of Phoenix, Arizona, writes: "This recipe for chocolate cake is a family favorite at our celebrations all year, but especially during the holidays. It's so rich that my sons eat small squares of it as if they were brownies. And since it can be made ahead, it's a great dessert to take to a party."

This sauce blends fresh cranberry relish and cooked cranberry sauce.

This fresh side is a delicious alternative to cranberry sauce.

Once you've soaked the chiles for 2 hours, this mole comes together in 45 minutes.

If you aren't making the schmaltz manié ahead of time, there's no need to form the paste into balls. Simply add the paste by teaspoonfuls to the simmering stock until the gravy has reached the desired consistency.

A creamy white cheddar cheese sauce makes this gratin luxurious enough to serve as a vegetarian main course.

Think of a strata as a savory bread pudding; here, leftover stuffing serves as the bread.

Try using Grade B maple syrup, which has a deeper flavor than Grade A, in this recipe. Look for it at natural foods stores.

A fresh take on green bean casserole#151;lighter and simpler, yet full of flavor.

A coarse grating of pecorino cheese adds a little creaminess and tang to this dish, but it's equally delicious without it.