Microwave seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, and orange roughy over tomato rice. Ready in about 25 minutes of microwave time with no stovetop or oven required.
Killer shrimp: fiery herb-and-garlic broth with rosemary, thyme, fennel, and red pepper, simmered long then poached shrimp added at the end. Eaten with your fingers and plenty of bread.
Chicken Marengo, the classic French braise said to be created for Napoleon: flour-dredged chicken browned and simmered in white wine and tomato with mushrooms and a fragrant bouquet garni.
Classic Beef Burgundy braised with red wine, sliced mushrooms, and onions in a rich, herb-flecked sauce. Tender cubes of round steak simmered low and slow, served over egg noodles.
Julia's manicotti, shells stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and Romano, baked in a slow-simmered wine-laced tomato sauce. A family-style Italian-American bake with deeply seasoned red sauce.
Leftover turkey shepherd's pie with carrots, tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary in a whole wheat flour gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked golden. The best way to use holiday turkey leftovers.
Silky carrot leek bisque with basil, sage, and a spoonful of miso for depth. Blended smooth with reserved carrot slices stirred back in for texture. Light, warming, and ready in 45 minutes.
Santa Fe salmon chowder with potatoes, corn, green chilies, and chili powder in a creamy lowfat milk base. A Southwestern-style fish chowder with a gentle kick of heat.
Greenbow County okra gumbo simmers shrimp and crab in a deep chocolate-brown roux with okra, tomato, and the holy trinity. A Louisiana-style seafood gumbo served ladled over hot rice.
Marinated venison roast soaked overnight in spiced vinegar and brandy, larded with salt pork and slow-roasted until tender. Finished with a glossy currant jelly pan gravy. A classic hunter's table centerpiece.
Squid spaghetti in a fresh tomato sauce with basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme. Tender squid simmered gently in Roma tomatoes for a simple Italian seafood pasta.
Stuffed flank steak with marsala mushroom sauce: Italian braciole-style pinwheel rolled around pork, pancetta, spinach, currants, and provolone, then finished in a porcini-marsala sauce.
Smoked turkey gumbo turns the Thanksgiving carcass into a rich Cajun-style gumbo with shrimp, crab, and oysters, built on a deep mahogany roux and served over long-grain rice.
Creole gumbo loaded with shrimp, crab, oysters, chicken wings, veal, ham bone, and okra, thickened with file powder. A true New Orleans-style gumbo served over rice.
Greek pita dip tosses cubed feta, black Greek olives, roasted red peppers, and red onion in olive oil with balsamic vinegar and thyme. Serve with toasted pita.
A colorful salad of black-eyed peas tossed with wild rice, white rice, tomatoes, bell pepper, and corn in a fresh oregano-thyme vinaigrette. Feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.