Maria Peplowski

So what if salmon isn't from Italy? Cookbook author Giuliano Hazan is and he says to toss chunks of the rich fish with pasta, tomatoes, and cream. We'll happily oblige.

A lilt of lemon and hints of thyme dance throughout this simple risotto. The best they've ever tasted.

These beauties aren't unlike classic sugar cookies in terms of ease and appeal. They're just a little richer and a lot less expected.

Comfort finds us in unexpected ways. Thank goodness for that. And thank goodness for this not-too-sweet, subtly apple-y, kid-friendly quick bread.

Pretty in pink is this lovely sorbet, thanks to the inclusion of the entire apple, blush red peel included, as well as a little Geürztraminer for sweet sophistication.

As buttery and airy as brioche but with a far weightier responsibility than its breakfast chum, challah ensures a sweet new year in Jewish tradition. We'll break bread to that.

This luscious, silken, subtly flavored coconut tart is topped with a delicate burnt-sugar crust borrowed from crème brûlée, that shatters when sliced.

These pot pies are the ultimate comfort food. Any why not? Creamy chicken and vegetable filling lies in wait beneath a thyme-infused buttery crust.

More savory than sweet, these shortbread go magnificently with booze of any sorts, from the most genteel of cocktails to your go-to wine from the corner store.

Crisp, crunchy, cheesy crackers that are perhaps the most ingenious use ever for a pasta machine. Don't believe us? Try it.