Nut
Wild Rice, Sausage and Fennel Stuffing
The flavor of the stuffing complements most fowl--there is enough here to stuff a 12-pound turkey or six game hens. The stuffing is also delicious as a side dish with roast pork or as a filling for cabbage rolls.
Grilled Sirloin Steaks with Blue Cheese-Walnut Butter
Robust flavors of blue cheese and walnuts go a long way in this flavored butter. (Any leftover butter is good on baked potatoes, or spread it on baguette rounds.)
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sorbet Sandwiches
A modern take on old-fashioned ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cone "drumsticks." For a rich, satisfying but lower-fat dessert, serve the delicious chocolate sorbet on its own without mixing in the peanut butter cup candies.
Herb Salad Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Although several varieties of basil are used in Southeast Asia, the most common-called rau que in Vietnam and bai gaprow in Thailand-is generally referred to as Thai basil in Asian markets on this side of the Pacific. The leaves are slightly darker and narrower than the more familiar Italian basil and have purple stems and flowers. Rau que has a distinctively pungent anise flavor, but Italian basil is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Torte with Caramel-Pecan Topping
A different take on favorite Thanksgiving flavors, this beautiful do-ahead pumpkin dessert is made even easier by the use of purchased sauce.
Chocolate-Espresso Brownies
Using stencils to add powdered sugar designs is a great way to dress up the treats.
Polish Rugelach
This cookie is popular in most of Eastern Europe. It features a tender pastry and, in this rendition, a delicious not-too-sweet cranberry and walnut filling. The cookies are formed by rolling up triangles of the pastry into small crescents.
Hazelnut Macaroon and Strawberry Tart
The failure-proof cookie-like crust can be prepared ahead. Use any leftover dough to make a few cookies.
Viennese Linzertorte Cake
You'll find all the flavors of a traditional Linzertorte — a hazelnut, spice and raspberry jam tart — in this delicious cake. The top is covered with a piped frosting that imitates the lattice crust of the classic dessert. One ingredient that is a definite departure from the original is the Chinese five-spice powder; it adds a lovely nuance.