Alcohol

This drink is sometimes known as a Napoleon.

Variant: King's Peg (Napoleon)

Madeira is combined with Cointreau, honey and spices in a simple English-inspired hot drink for the holidays.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 3 1/4 hr

To serve as a drink, freeze until just slushy but not solid. Look for Angostura bitters in the liquor section of the supermarket.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A homemade version of vanilla extract.

Variant: Eddie Brown

This lovely finale is from Dwayne Fortier of La Reserve in Houston. Begin preparing it well before serving, as the mousse needs to freeze for at least six hours.

A classic of the Balearic Islands, where lobster is found in abundance, this stew (known as caldereta) is intensely flavorful and fun to eat. Live lobster is essential, since the tomalley (liver) is a key ingredient. Serve the stew with plenty of crusty country-style bread.

This recipe yields more than is needed for the Parisienne apples. Use the remainder on pancakes or waffles, or as a flavorful boost for hot cereal. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 10 min

Margaritas Clásicas Mexican and Key limes are slightly sweeter than Persian limes (the standard supermarket variety). They can often be found at Latin American markets or at local farmers' markets. Melissa's sells them year-round by mail; to order, call 800-588-0151 or go to melissas.com. Make these Margaritas two at a time.