Sweet Potato

The butter for the yams gets a lift from the peel of oranges, plus chili powder and cayenne pepper. Making the topping ahead saves time on the big day.

These savory pastry packages are a fitting presentation for Oscar night - plus they're perfect with the ham. This recipe makes few extras for second helpings.

A hearty soup that's very low in fat.

Make these up to two days ahead and serve them cold or at room temperature.

Assemble these four hours ahead, and rewarm them 20 minutes before serving.

From the Williamsburg Inn's Regency Room.

Accompanied by the Yogurt-Mint Dip, these fritters make a nice appetizer.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Inspired by the cooking of the American South—and absolutely delicious.

This gratin is particularly welcomed on the holiday table by those who love sweet potatoes and hate marshmallows. The cream and butter make this so delicious your guests will lie in bed and remember it happily all year long. You only serve this kind of dish once in a very long while, so the caloric intake is moderated. If your meal has too many sweet potatoes, see the variation for turnip gratin.

Chayote (often mistaken for a squash) is a fruit with a cucumber-like taste and texture. The sweet-spicy balance of this appetizer goes well with Sauvignon Blanc or beer.

This recipe is inspired by a dish served at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, in New York City. The smoky heat of the chipotle chile and the potato's natural sweetness balance each other beautifully.

The potatoes and yams are perked up with fresh ginger and with lemons.

Whether cooked in the pan or in the bird, this stuffing has great down-home flavor.