Bon Appétit

Originally made to accompany Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew with Chillies and Polenta Triangles.

These replace the more familiar Hanukkah latkes that are prepared with grated raw potatoes. The croquettes are made with bolbess, the Jewish mashed potato stuffing for goose. But like latkes, they are fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of the oil that is the basis for Hanukkah. In the second century b.c., a one-day supply of oil burned for eight days and nights after followers of Judah Maccabee captured the Holy Temple of Jerusalem from their Syrian oppressors. Fried foods are served at Hanukkah in commemoration.

The artichoke puree has a nice tarragon flavor that is a lovely complement to the beef. Use the remaining puree as a dip for crudités or pita bread.

Reminiscent of fondue, this rich appetizer is lovely served alongside an assortment of crudités and your favorite mulled wine. Be sure to order the uncut wheel of cheese from a cheese shop or specialty foods store.

Mango sauce enhanced with crystallized ginger complements this delicious low-fat cake.

Spinach, green onions, cilantro and chilies give the sauce its name--and lots of flavor.

The goat cheese and relish keep these burgers especially moist. For a nice variation, omit the goat cheese, and top the turkey burgers with sliced Havarti or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Set out bowls of pickles and olives, and pour chilled Chardonnay throughout the meal.

This "stuffing" has a soft, custard-like texture and should not be baked inside a bird.

Begin preparing this a day before serving.

At Restaurant Biga in San Antonio, owner-chef Bruce Auden's co-chef, Mark Bliss, created this lovely side dish. He pairs it with roast pork, chicken or lamb. Cipolline onions are small, sweet Mediterranean onions; they are available at some supermarkets.

In this beautiful main course, served at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia, a mixture of dried apricots, raisins, mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach is the surprise filling.

Red peppers are teamed with onions, toasted pine nuts, fresh oregano and creamy goat cheese in these luscious savory pies. Purchased Boboli cheese pizza crusts make them a snap to prepare. You'll find them in the bread section, specialty food aisle or frozen food section at the supermarket.

A flavorful sauce for grilled lamb or chicken.