Carnitas de Lia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

“Sans Pan” Cider Gravy

This is a great gravy to use when you're grilling a bird and don't have a pan to collect the juices. A quick turkey stock made from the neck and giblets (removed before the turkey roasts) is enhanced by a nutty roux and brightened by a splash of apple cider. As Nickie says, "it's the perfect autumnal gravy."