Winter

The tubers of a North American sunflower, Jerusalem artichokes (also labeled "sunchokes") are available in the produce section of many supermarkets.

Improv: Instead of water chestnuts, try sugar snap peas or toasted walnuts.

Smoked turkey drumsticks can be found in the meat section of most supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute smoked ham hocks. WHAT TO DRINK: A pale ale with a spicy finish, like Sierra Nevada.

This recipe originally accompanied Smoked Turkey and Bacon Chowder .

A rich, aromatic (and potent) version of hot buttered rum.

The filling: rich chunks of leftover brasato and vegetables . The topping: mashed parsnips and potatoes.

Brasato (which means "braised" in Italian) is the ultimate pot roast.

These flavorful pancakes make a great breakfast (drizzled with maple syrup) or appetizer (topped with chives).

This recipe was created by chefs Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing of the Longbranch in Abita Springs, Louisiana. It's part of a special menu they created for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program.

We tweaked this Old World sweet-and-sour dish with confit duck, and the amazing result knocked us out.

Editor's note: The recipe below is from Ming Tsai's book, Ming's Master's Recipes. Use 1 cup of glaze as a dipping sauce for Ming Tsai's pork potstickers and cranberry-crab rangoons and the other cup to make his braised short ribs.

Editor's note: This recipe is from Ming Tsai's book, Ming's Master Recipes.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook by Marion Cunningham. To read more about fruitcake, see the related Daily Dish. Every kitchen file should have a recipe for a distinguished dark fruit cake. This is as good as any to be found.

Standing rib roast is a special event; it's also surprisingly easy to make. This version gets a spice rub and a rich, earthy sauce that can be largely made ahead.

This recipe can easily be halved to make one pie. It's great with whipped cream.

Related to the turnip, rutabagas are slightly sweet, and their flesh has an orangey hue.