Vegetarian

We like to brush this sweet sauce on steaks, grilled or roasted chicken legs, and slices of roasted eggplant. Try it on salmon, too.

This dense quickbread is traditionally baked in empty coffee cans.

These one-ingredient lacy cheese crackers are more impressive than any cheese board.

Lentils and fresh and dried mushrooms give this vegetarian casserole its meaty character. You can prepare most of it in advance and bake it just before your guests arrive.

Can’t find Treviso, the long, thin variety of radicchio? Substitute endive or any other member of the bitter chicory family to play off the sweet citrus dressing.

Use this toasted-hazelnut vinaigrette on any fall salad.

You'll be blown away by how delicious this vending machine staple is when it's homemade.

Sweeten the deal with pure maple syrup.

Chef Nate Hamilton at Harvest in Madison, WI, says: “Sometimes I sit and watch baseball and eat pistachios out of the can, but they’re better as a topper for pasta.”

Sweet, salty, and a little chewy, this almond granola bars recipe comes in handy for breakfast or a midday treat.

Slather this versatile spread on grilled kebabs, smear it on a sandwich, or serve it as a dip with pita and crudités.

Pack this main dish into single-serving containers the day before travel. The flavor will improve overnight (and sturdy kale won't wilt). We like to keep meals cool with disposable ice packs, which we throw away just before security; the salad will be good for a couple of hours at room temperature. Don't forget the plastic forks!

Traditional Thanksgiving flavors (winter squash, cinnamon, butter) are given a beautiful Persian accent. The exotic spiced butter is also a treat mixed into couscous.

Peas and onions are a classic holiday duo. Relying on frozen ones, along with a quick béchamel, is a smart move on a busy day of cooking.

Celery root and potatoes are a mash made in heaven. Transfer cubed potatoes and celery root to a bowl of water as soon as you cut them to keep them from turning brown.

Kick the can and invite this cranberry relish recipe to your next Thanksgiving dinner.

A recipe for dates and Parmesan in a relish over roasted squash? Don't knock it till you try it.

Spinach and feta arrive in tiny puff-pastry packages.