Yugoslav Pindzur (Adapted from Paula Wolfert) Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus 12 hours for resting Cooking time: 35 to 45 minutes 1 medium-size head garlic 3 large eggplants 6 medium-size tomatoes 6 medium-size green bell peppers 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon vinegar 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Caramelized-Onion Biscuits 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter 1 medium onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening 1/2 cup milk.

Spicy Dry-Rubbed Triangle Steak 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 triangle (tri-tip) steak (about 1 3/4 to 2 pounds).

For the meat-and-rice loaf: 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled 2 teaspoons butter 1 pound ground veal 1 pound ground sirloin 1 cup cooked white rice, cold 1 egg 1/2 cup shelled, unsalted pistachio nuts 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper.

Oven Rice 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small onion, peeled and chopped 2 stalks celery with leaves, diced 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped 1 1/2 cups white rice, rinsed 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock.

Chili Pecans Preparation time: 2 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes 2 teaspoons peanut or vegetable oil 1 can (6 ounces) shelled pecan halves 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.

Almond Biscotti Total time: 1 hour 1 cup whole blanched almonds 2 3/4 cups flour, plus flour for work surface Pinch of salt 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 4 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract.

Chicken Wings Stuffed With Chevre 6 ounces goat cheese, softened 2 scallions, finely chopped 24 chicken wings 3 large cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup olive oil.

Cod Steamed With Mushrooms 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 6- to 8-ounce fillets of cod 1 1/2teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup mushroom broth (reserved from ragout recipe above) 2 cups mushroom ragout.

Holiday Pumpkin Pie Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes For the filling: 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk 16 ounce can pumpkin puree 3/4 cup sugar Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger 1 9-inch pie shell, prebaked.