The nutty beigeness of quinoa creates a blank canvas for pistachios and cranberries to do their spirited dance in this holiday side. (Did we mention that it’s both vegan and gluten-free?)

Sole Grenobloise is a classic French recipe. Sole is seared then drizzled with a sauce of browned butter, capers, parsley, and lemon juice. Easy to make.

Slowly sweating the onions releases the sublime flavors of this English onion soup by Jamie Oliver. Use a variety of onions: white, red, and shallots.

Leek and potato soup with bacon is a family favorite. Tender leeks and earthy potatoes make this soup hearty. The bacon adds smokiness. A keeper soup.

These just-the-right-size cakes have a crisp, brownie-like surface, a moist, pudding-like center, and, lurking beneath, a blissful pool of fudge sauce.