Brandy

This is quick, easy and delicious - the perfect addition to a holiday buffet.

By the seventies, Julia Child, through her books and television shows, had made French food accessible, and the Cuisinart, introduced in 1973, made many of the cuisine’s more complicated techniques quick and simple. As a result, pâté became increasingly popular, and remains so today.

These apples are a perfect garnish for the spiced apple cake and caramelized apple crêpes. They're terrific as a topping for ice cream, too. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

In this dish, the richness of the venison is balanced by the sweet-tart fruit compote.

A modern version of a childhood favorite.

This duck recipe is unusually light and delicate.

Since moving to Stockholm to join my Swedish husband, I'm learning to base my cooking on ingredients that are plentiful here. It seems that pork is more popular--and more readily available--than chicken (my usual standby) so I developed:

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Honey, brandy and spices enhance purchased marmalade for an easy-to-make gift.

A rich entrée that's even more satisfying served over noodles.

This cake, also called fraisier (French for "strawberry plant"), is usually made with almonds, but pistachios are used in this rendition. The delicate cake is layered with fresh strawberries and a mousselike white chocolate buttercream and then topped with marzipan.

The roulade is particularly stunning when accompanied by a glistening array of the Glacéed Fruits .