Carnitas de Lia

carnitas
These carnitas are based on a recipe by Michele Anna Jordan that I've been using for years. Because the pork is braised in its own juice, these carnitas are much lighter than the traditional version.

Ruby-Studded Meringue Buttons

meringue
These little meringue buttons studded with cranberry and cherry "rubies" and slivered almonds are light as air. They make gorgeous gifts, and are great as little nibbles amidst the rich fare of the holidays.

Chocolate Chip-Candied Bacon Cookies

chocolate-chip-candied-bacon-cookies
Chopped Candied Bacon adds little nuggets of savory sweetness to a classic cookie. I like the richness of dark chocolate chips, but semisweet or milk chocolate would be just as delicious. For a really down-home treat, use a mix of chocolate and peanut butter chips. This is a recipe that invites your innovation.

Candied Bacon

candied-bacon-credit
Can anything be more decadent than candied bacon? Looking like savory-sweet lollipops, these are wonderful crumbled into cookies, served over ice cream or as a nibble with cocktails.

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal with Toasted Pecans

pumpkin-spice-oatmeal
This breakfast is downright decadent; like a pumpkin pie in a bowl. Don't let its sumptuousness rob you of pleasure though, this dish is super-healthy too. It's loaded with fiber from the pumpkin and whole grain goodness from the oats.

Basic Steel Cut Oatmeal

basic-oatmeal
This steel cut oatmeal recipe is a great make-ahead option for a healthy breakfast or a savory side dish.

Asian Turkey Salad

asian-turkey-salad
This fresh, bright, light turkey salad with Asian flair is quite a departure from the usual all-American Thanksgiving leftovers.

Sweet Potato-Kale Bread Pudding

sweet-potato-bread-pudding
You can bake these little bread pudding muffins a few days ahead; cool and refrigerate. Reheat them in a low oven while the turkey rests. You also can cook this in a 2-quart baking dish instead of a muffin pan, if you prefer.

Pumpkin Curry with Chicken Thighs

pumpkin-curry
Any Gewurztraminer left over from Thanksgiving will go beautifully with this creamy, spicy, aromatic pumpkin curry. If you have a lime tree, crumple up a leaf and throw it into the curry as it simmers (then discard)—it will perfume the dish much as kaffir lime leaves do.