Chestnut

In typical Alsatian fashion, this cabbage has a delicious sweet-and-sour flavor.

There are few places where chestnuts are cooked with more style and appreciation than in those states just below New England. Here they are added to a traditional stuffing, enhanced by mushrooms and herbs.

Part of this stuffing is used in Crown Roast of Pork with Sausage Stuffing. To serve as a side dish, place all of the stuffing in a baking dish, cover and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

There are many different kinds of pork dumplings, and siu mai are one of the most popular, typically served in dim sum restaurants. When homemade, the dumplings are unsurpassed, if they are made with an equal amount of fresh water chestnuts to ground pork, Chinese mushrooms, cilantro, and scallions. Siu mai are distinctly different from other dumplings, because they are made with round won ton skins, not the typical square-shaped skins. Each brand has a different thickness of dough, but the thinner the better; the dumplings will be more delicate. If round won ton skins are not available, I cut square wrappers into 3-inch-wide circles. This recipe makes about 3 1/2 dozen siu mai. Steam as many as you need, or cover in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and steam within two to three hours.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can easily recreate this recipe with a wonderful free-range chicken. As for the candied chestnuts, I recommend using freshly cooked, shelled chestnuts which are still quite sweet!

This recipe is an accompaniment for Chocolate Chestnut Torte with Chocolate Cognac Mousse. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Here's a perfect side dish for the hectic holidays. You can cook the brussels sprouts one day ahead; cool them under cold running water, then drain, cover and refrigerate.

A little oil in this bûche de noel helps keep it pliable even when cool—perfect for rolling the Yule log shape.

The gelatin in the mousse stabilizes it, so you can make and fill the roll a day ahead without worrying about it weeping or deflating.