Simmer

If you haven't thought of duck as comfort food before, this will change your mind. Pasta, confit duck, and Savoy cabbage become the perfect cool-weather dinner—rich and succulent without seeming heavy. If you haven't had confit duck before, trust us: It's just as good as you would imagine duck cooked in rendered fat would be.

Only one more fruit is added to this vibrant red applesauce, yet its fragrance and tastiness seem to triple. Smooth and elegant, it complements roast meats and makes a wonderful dessert on its own.

Falling-off-the-bone chicken is cooked in a Chinese-inspired citrus sauce— the source of its reddish-brown color.

Each spoonful of this French country-style soup delivers the warming taste of sun-ripened tomatoes and luxurious saffron.

It's hard to believe there's no cream in this soup, it's so velvety. A swirl of minty pistou, added at the last minute, provides complexity.

Humitas Humitas, fresh corn tamales popular in Chile and other Latin American countries, are made using every part of the ears. Freshly grated kernels create a sweet filling; husks are used to form and tie the packages; and the cobs create a shelf on which to steam the humitas, imparting an extra boost of flavor. For more information about humitas.

Chef Michael Schlow of Boston's Via Matta created this dish for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. Serve with Schlow's Red Snapper with Black Olives, Capers, and Tomatoes.

Vongole in brodetto Chef Michael Schlow of Boston's Via Matta created this dish for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program.

**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here. Children love hot dogs. The sauce freezes well and can be made in advance.

Pancakes, ice cream, pound cake, fresh fruit—they all just got a little bit better.

Coleslaw and a great loaf of bread are all you need with this. (But don't forget a good bottle of white wine, too.)

Shrimp transforms a Middle Eastern salad into a light yet satisfying main course.

Look for ancho chile powder in the spice section of supermarkets.

To begin, a little taste of the sea, easily prepared ahead of time. Beautiful, sophisticated, and delicious, mussels are perfect party appetizers. Each bite offers a complex layering of flavors, and the shells make lovely natural dishes.

Cinnamon, clove, cumin, and other spices perfume your house as this cooks.