Epicurious

As with all jams and jellies, make a small batch as indicated here, so that it cooks well and thoroughly for the short time indicated, preserving the pure flavor of the berries.

Passion-Fruit Champagne Cocktail

When my mother prepared this gloriously cheesy, spicy dip, the smells from the kitchen would waft throughout the house and drive us all crazy with anticipation. It's a perfect appetizer for guests, so if Mom was making it, that usually meant company for dinner, football Sundays, or a full-blown party (which wouldn't be complete without someone desperately licking the bowl clean).

My mother always made wonderful side dishes — and made them look so easy. Indeed, they were! A few fresh vegetables, great herbs, a little mustard or vinegar, and kosher salt were all it took for her to make something taste like it came right from the garden. Here's her incredibly simple recipe for coleslaw — a step removed from traditional recipes that are typically bland and smothered in mayonnaise, this slaw is sharp and crunchy and great with salads, roast meats, and sandwiches.

The stock recipe yields 8 cups; there will be about 1 1/2 cups left over after you make the mushroom soup. To prepare the mushrooms for this soup, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel. Be sure to cut off the stems from fresh shiitakes. If using morels, rinse quickly to dislodge any dirt from crevices.

(Chile Verde Con Carne or "Caldillo")

This is the pot-au-feu from my neighbor the florist. You will find yourself making this a permanent part of your repertoire.

These cookies are a tradition during Lent (Quaresima) in Florence, Italy. They are easy, low in fat, and fun to make with children. If you are not a strict observer of Lent, you might use the egg yolks left over from this recipe to make schiacciata alla fiorentina, a festive flat bread popular with Florentines in the earlier season of Carnevale.

Artichoke hearts and hearts of palm combine in an elegant salad.

Add canned white tuna (packed in water) for a delicious main course. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.