Condiment

This is our salsa closest to the classic home-style Mexican salsa de molcajete that's made from roasted garlic and chiles pounded in a lava-rock mortar (molcajete) with roasted tomatoes. Even though we've updated the equipment for the modern American kitchen, that perfect blend of sweetness (roasted garlic and tomatoes) and raciness (roasted jalapeños) is what you'll spoon out. The final addition of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of vinegar focuses the whole experience: This is just what most Americans wish they were getting when they open a jar with that ubiquitous "salsa" label. Made with plum tomatoes, your salsa will have a more homogenous texture — just right for using the salsa as an ingredient in other dishes. Because round tomatoes give a looser texture, choose them when you want a condiment to set on the table.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 5 hr If you decide to use fresh pumpkin purée for this cake, be sure you drain it for the full eight hours we recommend in the procedure.

This is used in four of the dishes in the menu; the recipe makes enough for them all.

I love these preserves because they're both tart and sweet. For the best color, choose true-red sour cherries. Darker varieties — those that resemble Bing cherries — will make darker preserves, which will also be delicious. The cherries are steeped overnight in sugar, which deepens their flavor and helps them to stay plump. Kernels from the cherry pits (tied in a cheesecloth bag) add an almondy note to the preserves. Active time: 2 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 day (plus 1 day for flavors to develop)

So good — and no cooking required. Prepare the relish at least a day ahead, and add more cardamom before serving if you'd like a stronger flavor.

Making your own ketchup may seem a bit over-the-top, but we promise it's worth it. It's easy to do, and homemade is so much more delicious than supermarket varieties, which are loaded with corn syrup.

This glaze adds a rich shine to the turkey and also enhances the flavor of the gravy. The glaze may be prepared 2 days ahead. This recipe is an accompaniment for Maple Ginger Roasted Turkey.

Salsa de Chile Habanero The Mayan word for this mixture (xnipec) means "nose of the dog," a vivid description of its sinus-clearing effects. For a truly incendiary salsa, add an extra habanero.

The ultimate onion dip? You decide.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Vanilla-Citrus Tea Ring . Any remaining compote would be great for breakfast or dessert with a spoonful of yogurt or crème fraîche.

Fragrant, fiery chile-pepper water is an essential condiment on the Hawaiian table, where a few drops of the stuff transforms even stodgy cutlets and lumpen beef stews into something almost magical.

This salsa from Jane Butel's cooking school in Albuquerque, New Mexico is great with fajitas or as a dip for chips.

Use any mixture of berries in this simple, quick compote. It tastes great with the <a>raspberry torte</a> and over ice cream or pound cake. Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This classic accompaniment to grilled meats also makes a great taco filling. Grilled chiles, peppers, and onion.