Gruyère

For a more elegant presentation, we cut out rounds from the gratin with a 4-inch cookie cutter. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Offer these as a starter or as a light lunch with a salad of greens tossed in vinaigrette.

We adapted this from the recipe for Supper Onion Pie, in the "Savoury Pies" section of Nigella Lawson's _How to Be a Domestic Goddess._We played with the crust to make it lighter and substituted a yellow onion for the red ones (they turned an unappetizing mauve). We love the way Lawson's books are written—and agree she's got some great ideas—but we think you should know you may need to tinker with the recipes before they yield dishes that appeal to an American palate.

The most commonly found Chinese vegetable is also one of the oldest — bok choy has been cultivated in China since the fifth century a.d. You can find many kinds of bok choy at Asian markets, all differing in shape and size; this recipe works well with any mature variety. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr

A mix of butternut and acorn squash makes this soup silky and flavorful. Keep it bubbling on the stove to warm up any roaming ghosts and goblins as they return home from their Halloween rounds.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The following chunky potato soup was inspired by a smooth version that one of our food editors enjoyed at The Bernerhof Inn in Glen, New Hampshire.

Cèpe is the French name (porcini is the Italian name) for the boletus mushroom, which grows in the southwest. Dried cèpes are not readily available here, so we use dried porcini.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Just four ingredients add up to a rich and delicious side dish. Once the potatoes are sliced, the gratin comes together quickly and then bakes unattended for about an hour and 15 minutes.

Although a fondue pot suits this recipe, it isn't absolutely necessary. Simply put the fondue in a decorative microwavable bowl, and serve it warm. When the fondue gets too cold, just rewarm it in the microwave. Set out a small bowl for the used skewers.

Add a simple green salad to our updated version of the grilled cheese sandwich, and dinner is served.