Ground Turkey

Although this recipe doesn't produce the familiar-looking red chili--it's more green than red--it does turn out a chili that has become one of our staff favorites.

Chipotles give these burgers — from Hal's Bar & Grill in Venice, California — a terrific kick.

The goat cheese and relish keep these burgers especially moist. For a nice variation, omit the goat cheese, and top the turkey burgers with sliced Havarti or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Set out bowls of pickles and olives, and pour chilled Chardonnay throughout the meal.

In my family's house, turkey croquettes were a revered delicacy had only after Thanksgiving and Christmas (it took a lot of work, we were often told). It wasn't until I was in college that I learned "croquette" meant a solution to leftovers. But I still think of this recipe, passed down from my father's mother to my mother to me and my sister, as special. Yes, it is a lot of work. But the soul-warming richness — and guaranteed compliments — make it worth the effort.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but may require additional sitting time.

Pass hot pepper sauce and warm buttered tortillas to complete this easy dish.

Leftovers of this moist and flavorful meat loaf make great sandwiches.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here we've adapted the classic Chinese dish "squab in jade," in which the meat is minced, stir-fried, and served in "cups" of lettuce.

A healthful version of meatloaf that doesn't sacrifice taste for a lower fat content. Put leftovers on onion rolls with lettuce and tomato for a great sandwich treat.

A crowd-pleasing standard gets a makeover with ground turkey instead of beef; sautéed vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes add flavor. Round out the meat loaf with the mashed potatoes, some green beans and dinner rolls. Pour a dry white or light red wine.

Jean Anderson, author of The American Century Cookbook, traces the origin of sloppy joes to the depression-era 1930s, and the popularity of this messy ground-beef sandwich increased markedly in the fifties and sixties. We update it with ground turkey, canned diced chilies and ale.

The peach and mustard glaze gives this dish a sweet-tart flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.