Russet Potato

For a more elegant presentation, we cut out rounds from the gratin with a 4-inch cookie cutter. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

This soup hails from Morocco.

To start, offer a seafood appetizer, such as chilled cocktail shrimp with herbed mayonnaise. What to drink: Pour Champagne or sparkling wine throughout the meal.

For a variation, you could throw in a cup of cooked vegetables left over from Thanksgiving to add texture to this creamy chowder. Serve the soup with chowder crackers, along with a spinach and pear salad. Purchased apple turnovers would make an ideal dessert.

Frozen artichokes simplify this recipe, which is inspired by one from cookbook author Paula Wolfert.

This side dish goes especially well with grilled or broiled meats.

A very popular restaurant dish that's easy to re-create at home.

Leeks and sour cream combine here in a terrific take on mashed potatoes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This dish is sensational with barbecued pork or grilled sausages or salmon. A spicy honey-mustard dressing is the salad's perfect finishing touch.

Accompany the chowder with saltines or Crown Pilot crackers. A side of steamed broccoli with lemon dressing is also nice, as are individual pecan pies á la mode for dessert.