Turkey

Lady apples—a small, hard winter apple that's yellow with a reddish cheek—are often used decoratively but we love them for their flavor. They're widely available in markets this time of year. Said to be one of the oldest known apple varieties, they originated in the Forest of Api, France, during medieval times.

Marinate thinly sliced radishes and sweet onions in a Sherry vinaigrette for a side salad. Serve coarsely mashed potatoes with the turkey, and for dessert, layer strawberry ice cream with sugared strawberries in large wineglasses.

Partner this sandwich with a bean and rice salad and some crunchy pickles. End with vanilla pudding and fresh pineapple. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Jean Anderson, author of The American Century Cookbook, traces the origin of sloppy joes to the depression-era 1930s, and the popularity of this messy ground-beef sandwich increased markedly in the fifties and sixties. We update it with ground turkey, canned diced chilies and ale.

If desired, grate a little extra Parmesan cheese for passing; a sprinkling over the soup will echo the flavor in the meatballs.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A fresh-tasting main-course salad.

Serve this lively chili with warm tortillas and a colorful plate of sliced avocado, tomato and red onion drizzled with lemon juice.

A flavorful turkey prepared in an interesting way. It is soaked in brine, which helps tenderize the bird, and then rubbed with a citrus-thyme butter. The butter keeps the turkey moist and also enriches the pan drippings for the gravy. The stuffing borrows from the long tradition of corn breads in America. Be sure to make the Giblet Broth before you start roasting the turkey. Pour hard cider throughout dinner. Watch how to prepare and carve your bird with our streaming video demonstration.

In early spring, colonists would tap into sugar maple trees to draw off the smoky-sweet syrup, which was a substitute for expensive imported sugar. Here, the syrup is brushed onto the turkey to add a deep golden finish. New Englanders liked their gravies rich and dark, and often kept a box of browned or "scorched" flour on hand to aid in browning, as well as flavoring and thickening. This delectable gravy borrows that technique. Be sure to start the gravy early in the day. Watch how to prepare and carve your bird with our streaming video demonstration.

Just like some Mexican moles, this chili has a bit of chocolate in it. Serve sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese alongside.

Serve with: Warmed tortillas and steamed, buttered summer squash. Dessert: Key lime pie from the bakery.