Roast

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This turkey is roasted in true French fashion with black truffles and shallots. Prepare the truffle butter and rub it over the turkey the day before roasting. A red Burgundy complements the earthy truffle flavor.

"My profession as a real estate agent requires a lot of my time," writes Edi Meadows Morrissette of Westin, Florida, "so it helps that I am lightning-fast in the kitchen. I cook every day, and on the weekends I sometimes make three meals a day. I accomplish that by following my main cooking principles: (1) do a lot of prep work, and (2) keep the kitchen well stocked. For example, at holiday time I might chop onions in advance or bake bread the day before company arrives. And since I converted the bedroom next to my kitchen into a pantry for extra storage, I know I'll always have the right ingredients at my fingertips." Nice with drinks, soup, or salad. The cheese spread can be made a day ahead.

A Syracusan recipe adapted from Mary Taylor Simeti's book Pomp and Sustenance.

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

The signature dish at Américas in Houston. Achiote paste adds earthy flavor and deep red color to the shrimp.

Thanksgiving timing tip: If you have only one oven, you can prepare this dish ahead and serve it at room temperature, leaving plenty of room in the oven for the turkey.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.