Saute

Salting the potatoes ahead of time draws out some of their liquid and guarantees they're well seasoned.

Frittatas are excellent served warm or at room temperature, which means that this meatless main is a perfect do-ahead dish.

If you can't find fresh chorizo, use any fresh sausage. For less heat, choose a sweet (mild) Italian sausage.

Green beans have a certain suave, slender elegance that makes them a classic accompaniment to rosy-red roast beef. But too often, they get short shrift: a quick drizzle of butter, a squirt of lemon, and onto the table they go. We suggest you coddle them a little this year. Try tossing them in a hot skillet with shallots and pecans that get caramelized in buttery brown sugar, and you'll see just how special green beans can be. Editor's Note: This recipe is part of Gourmet's Modern Menu for A Christmas Classic. Menu also includes Herb-Crusted Beef Rib Roast with Potatoes, Carrots, and Pinot Noir Jus and Tiramisu Yule Log .

Buy thinly sliced beef at Korean markets, or ask your butcher to cut it for you.

Psilakis uses fresh sheep's milk ricotta, but fresh cow's milk ricotta works, too.

Virtually every tortería serves this torta, split hot dogs griddled and tucked inside bread. Instead of ketchup and relish, you dress your dog with all the typical torta condiments. Good old yellow American cheese provides another melty flavor and texture. It's not diet food, that's for sure, but it sure is delicious.