Parsnip

Roast these up to four hours ahead; put them in to reheat when the prime rib is done.

I love the nutty, sweet, and spicy flavors of parsnips. Their unpopularity is a mystery to me—it seems many people don't realize how delicious they can be. This dish brings out their best qualities.

Pair this with a crisp French Chablis, the Chardonnay-based white from Burgundy.

There's no one way to serve latkes. Some people like them as a first course or as an hors d'oeuvre, while others make them as a side dish. We think this Hanukkah specialty is so delicious, we'd gladly serve latkes as a main course. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 35 min

Brandy, apples and cream add a taste of France's Normandy region to this entrée.

Apples bring a mild sweetness to this rich soup, which can be made a day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This streamlined dish gets its appeal from a great flavor combination and a rustic coarse texture. It's nice with roasted pork tenderloin or lean leg of lamb.

Probably the Shakers' greatest gift to American cookery was their knowledge and liberal use of herbs, which were relied upon to vary and enliven standard dishes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This dish is even better served over couscous.

Root vegetables became a mainstay of the New England diet. The crops grew well during the summer and could be stored in barrels of sand or in root cellars to keep through the long winter. This spectacular casserole has potatoes, parsnips, turnips and carrots, and is sweetened with just a hint of pear. The pureed vegetables are swirled together in the baking dish to create a pretty marbled effect.

"I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Restaurant Claes Claesz, an intimate place located in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam," writes Gretchen Method of Northville, Michigan. "Their cream of parsnip soup was simply wonderful. Could you get the recipe?" There is no cream in this soup—pureeing the ingredients creates the silky texture.