Fennel

Okay, fine, you've never heard of baobab—but that's about to change. (Remember when no one knew how to pronounce quinoa?) You'll find the powder from the tangy superfruit stocked at the health food store.

Quick-cooking squid is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Look for it at a reputable fish monger or in your grocer's freezer section.

A simple spring salad of shaved asparagus and fennel provides the fresh crunch needed to offset rich breaded pork cutlets.

This crunchy winter salad is exactly what you'll want to pack for lunch this week.

This meltingly tender pork belly is an impressive yet surprisingly easy hors d’oeuvre to make—all you need is patience. The pork belly, barbecue sauce, pickled onions and crostini can all be completed at least three days ahead of time, making day of prep a breeze.

Two racks make enough for each person to have two chops. Cut between each bone individually for single chops, or cut into double-rib portions.

A beautifully browned bird and seasonal vegetables cook in a single skillet for an effortless dinner. Swap in carrots, quartered onions, or tiny potatoes—anything goes.

Purists will tell you this just gets better with time, so prepare it in advance of your party.

Toast the cornbread for a nice crisp texture.

This dish is only as good as the crab it's made with; buy the freshest you can find.

Vibrant greens, handfuls of fresh herbs, nuts for crunch, and horseradish for bite. Ingredients are suggestions; feel free to mix it up.

A platter of raw vegetables to share is the perfect way to warm up to the Thanksgiving meal. They're impossible to fill up on, and a great way to show off seasonal produce. Just pick the vegetables that look fresh and enticing, and you'll create a guest-worthy platter.

You need a palate-cleansing salad to balance the rich pork and hearty sides: This is it.

A good fritto misto crust is light and crunchy (thanks, cornstarch!). If the batter thickens as you work, thin it with a bit of soda water as needed.

Though 4 pounds of brisket may seem like a lot, remember that this cut of meat loses some weight in cooking; one advantage of leaner first-cut brisket is that there's less shrinkage, but remember you'll pay more for the privilege.

Nigella seeds can be hard to find; look for them in Indian or Middle Eastern markets, or find them easily online at www.worldspice.com.

You can use any firm fish and fresh shellfish you like for this brothy stew. (A little crabmeat is a luxurious addition, as well.) Make the base a day in advance for a low-stress Christmas dinner.

A mixture of white wine and white wine vinegar, plus a host of spices and vegetables, infuse these shrimp with tangy, fragrant flavor. Serve them as a cocktail party hors d'oeuvre or toss them into a salad.