Apple

Diced apple, dried apricots and golden raisins accent this 30-minute entrée.

Apple orchards of all kinds can be found throughout the middle of the United States. Interestingly, Red Delicious apples are a heartland original, first discovered in 1872 in Peru, Iowa. They are celebrated here (with their sweeter yellow cousin, the Golden Delicious) in a double-crust pie that's truly a "Delicious" closing to the Thanksgiving feast.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using orange juice instead of water in the crust enhances the fruit flavors in the filling. To prevent the dough from sticking, lightly flour the work surface and the dough, sprinkling with more flour as needed; also, roll just to the edges of the dough, not over them, rotating the dough often.

Replacing the cinnamon with cardamom in this easy applesauce is a great way to appreciate the taste of the bracing spice.

A sophisticated presentation that is ideal for a holiday feast.

Broccoli tossed with buttered breadcrumbs makes a nice addition to the menu. Pour a Sauvignon Blanc and a French sparkling cider.

This impressive stuffing gets its Yankee accent from apples and dried cranberries.

It's interesting, sophisticated fare like this that keeps Roly's Bistro constantly crowded. Restaurateur Roly Saul and chef Colin O'Daly are Dublin fixtures.

Roast goose with apples, a specialty of Alsace, has become a classic Hanukkah dish in Paris. This recipe comes from Didier Lewkowicz, a butcher in the old Jewish quarter of Paris. Serve a French red Bordeaux with the goose.

An interesting and slightly sweet salad that's great with sandwiches, burgers and grilled chicken. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe originally accompanied Potato Pancakes with Zucchini and Sage. It takes very little sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of fresh apples. Each variety contributes to the flavor of the sauce.

This is my recipe for a straightforward apple pie. It reflects not only my preferences but also countless influences. It is intentionally imprecise because there are so many variables to consider. To get it right, you pretty much have to taste as you go along or trust your instincts.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

During a summer trip to Santa Fe, Joan Coulliette of Sandy, Utah, had a wonderful baked apple pancake for breakfast at Atalaya restaurant. The restaurant has closed, but we were able to get the recipe for the pancakes.