Vegan

Yukon Golds go creamy and crusty at the same time when roasted with caramelized shallots. Although salt and pepper are all this dish needs, a spoonful of gravy on top is certainly welcome.

Yellow tomatoes bring a touch of sunshine to this delicious chilled soup, which can be made as spicy or as mellow as you like.

This herb lends an unexpected hint of mint to bean dishes. For a change, feel free to swap in lowfat feta for the olives.

Creaminess is added to buttery Yukon Golds with just olive oil and potato water.

Traditionally used to season pâtés and terrines, this French spice mixture also adds an earthy depth to the duck confit.

There are many versions of vadouvan, a French interpretation the Indian spice blend, but we like the one that Grimes came up with, starting with a formula by chef Inaki Aizpitarte, of Le Chateaubriand, and roasting it for a deep, meaty flavor.

You'll want something to sop up the sauce of the fricassee, and this chewy rice, classically Chinese but currently making its way across Paris, offers a gorgeous texture and color contrast.

After a rich main course, you'll love the clean flavors of this minimally dressed salad. Watercress and fris´e are tamed by slivers of celery root and green apple, which also makes for a seamless segue into the next course—Camembert with apple butter from a local market.

A refreshingly tart version of classic cranberry sauce. If you want it sweeter, just add more sugar.

Quickly candied grapefruit peel adds a fresh zing.

Crisp beans are paired with sour onions and a sweet maple dressing.

The traditional crostini topping is a soft pâté, but the wild mushrooms with truffle oil served by chef Julian Marucci at Baltimore's Cinghiale are just as indulgent.

Celery seeds add nice flavor to this tangy oil-free slaw.

Roast the wedges with points facing up to brown all sides.

Texture and flavor contrasts make for an addictive side dish or starter.

The brown rice in this side dish is full of fiber. (Cooked white has none.)

Find mung bean sprouts in Asian grocery stores and supermarkets.