Dried Apricot

Ukrainian Dessert Dumplings These stuffed dessert dumplings with a chewy noodle-dough wrapping are a Ukrainian specialty. The fruit fillings vary widely—ours are stuffed with dried apricots and walnuts, then sprinkled with a cinnamon-crumb topping.

Serve with: Roast turkey, ham, or chicken. Combine with: Crackers that have been spread with cream cheese or goat cheese. Use as: A sandwich spread.

These flavors and aromas transport me to Marrakesh, where our friend Latif, son of the late imam of the great mosque there, guided us through the bustling and mysterious spice markets. Here's how I've recaptured the memory: a boned leg of lamb is stuffed with intensely flavored dried apricots, high in beta-carotene and potassium, then rubbed with aromatic cumin. Buy your cumin from a Middle Eastern market or spice store for the most flavorful results.

"I had never been especially fond of bread pudding, but I changed my mind when I tried the one served at The Winchester Country Inn in Ashland, Oregon," says Sandra Miller of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. "Their version is outstanding; it's studded with apricots and topped with a rich caramel sauce." Croissants and a Grand Marnier custard make this bread pudding super-decadent. It's great with or without the Caramel Sauce; if you're short on time, substitute a purchased sauce.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Most supermarkets have at least one type of spiced sausage. If you don't have the time to make cornbread, it usually is sold at BBQ restaurants and diners. This recipe is an accompaniment for Maple Ginger Roasted Turkey.

Cardamom pods can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom can be substituted.

Caramelized pears plus dried apricots, cranberries, and prunes add intense fruit flavor to this stuffing from Rochelle Palermo Torres, a freelance recipe developer and cooking teacher.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Hoisin sauce is sold at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We highly recommend using California apricots for this recipe —their intense flavor and color give this frozen yogurt a real boost that's missing when it's made with the Turkish variety.

In this recipe, a casserole dish stands in for the traditional tagine. Serve with couscous or an Israeli salad of tomato, cucumber, and sweet onion.