Poultry

A hearty Moroccan-style one-dish meal.

Apple wedges are an imaginative addition to the gravy. Serve this turkey with a buttery Chardonnay.

We adapted this dish from a recipe in La Cuisine Spontanée by Swiss chef Frédy Girardet. Braising the chicken breasts over the leeks keeps them satisfyingly moist and tender. Crusty bread is a good accompaniment.

This may not be as good as a true foie gras, but it's similar enough in flavor for a dish that costs only pennies to make. Not only can the pâté be served on toast — it can also serve as a finish for a classic Beef Wellington or enhance a stuffing or a meat loaf.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you're short on time, use a roast chicken from the supermarket instead of grilling chicken breasts. Serve Mexican beers alongside and tortilla chips for extra crunch.

This salad — named after the famous New Orleans sandwich — would also be good on oversize rolls. Suitable sides include onion rings and carrot sticks with blue cheese dip. End with praline ice cream cones.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Offer your favorite corn bread along with the kebabs and salads.

(Chicken Wing Braised with Soy Sauce, Cinnamon, and Star Anise)

When I was growing up, my mom periodically brewed a pot of this bitter, allegedly medicinal soup and forced me to drink a bowl (she says the ginseng promotes general well-being). Although I used to sit at the kitchen table for an hour, slowly spooning each dreadful bit into my mouth, I've since discovered that the only way to tolerate it is to gulp the liquid down as quickly as possible. Now nearly every time I go home, she prepares this special (and unfortunately simple-to-make) soup just for me — which probably explains why I don't go home very often.

As soon as the year's first leaves unfurl, many Parisians start planning their annual pilgrimage to the lavender fields of Provence. In this recipe, the lavender may be omitted if desired; however, its aroma and flavor embody a French spring. Do not use lavender flowers treated with essence for these roasted birds.