Apple Cider

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you don't happen to have any day-old corn bread on hand, just follow our recipe — fresh regular corn bread may be too moist. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr (includes making corn bread)

Kale with Sautéed Apple and Onion makes the perfect side dish for these chops Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

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.

Apples and apple cider lend a pleasant sweetness to this beautiful soup.

Apple wedges are an imaginative addition to the gravy. Serve this turkey with a buttery Chardonnay.

A simply spectacular main-course. Ask the butcher to grind any pork trimmings to use in the stuffing. Either hard cider or Pinot Noir would be delicious alongside.

To accompany the pork, toss egg noodles with butter and chives, and sprinkle lemon juice over sautéed vegetables. Finish with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce.

Michael McLaughlin, cookbook author, says, "Sweet potatoes are so versatile that it's a crime to fix them just one way every Thanksgiving. A long time ago, I decided to be flexible and creative with the sweet potatoes, and it has been a delicious ongoing investigation. This year, now that dried cranberries are a supermarket staple, I've zeroed in on this version. Not only is it a colorful addition to the holiday spread, but it also is cooked on top of the stove, freeing up some precious oven space."

This is a simple, delicious dessert that also makes a warming and special brunch dish or breakfast. Although many baked-apple recipes are on the lean side (my mother always ate them when she was dieting), my version is luxurious yet still homey. I stuff the apples with a mix of brown sugar, dried fruit, and nuts, then bake them in a sauce of apple cider, maple syrup, and plenty of butter, which cooks down to a rich, thick glaze. I like to use Cortlands here because of their good squat shape and their complex fruity flavor, but any firm, tart baking apple will do.

Sweet and salty, the ham is great served with roasted potatoes and applesauce.

Braising the cabbage in cider gives it a light but distinct apple flavor.

Filled with raisins and brown sugar and baked in Marsala and cider, these apples make a warming ending to the meal. Accompany them with vanilla ice cream and some purchased almond biscotti.

Try the braised escarole with apples and the herbed spaetzle alongside these juicy chops.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.