Crispy Fried Chicken with Basil

A fried coating of sweet potato starch gives this chicken its uniquely chewy yet crispy texture. Sweet potato starch is a specialty product in Taiwanese and Fujian cooking. It is available in fine and coarse grind; coarse is best for frying. Buy it at a Chinese or Korean grocer. No other starch produces the same texture, but if it's unavailable, you can use cornstarch.

Apple Nut Passover Cake

Associate food editor Daphna Rabinovitch baked this layered apple and nut cake to celebrate her niece's birthday, which fell during Passover last year. Everyone shared the results with pleasure.

Cheddar Apple Bars

Carried in their baking pan or packed in a cookie tin, these fruity oat bars make a welcome dessert. Golden Delicious or Crispin apples are perfect for this spin on Grandma's favourite pie.

Brisket Braised in Wine with Dried Fruit and Potatoes

Dried apricots and prunes not only sweeten the sauce but also break down slightly, helping to thicken it. Make the dish a day ahead to allow flavours to combine and to ease preparations.

Old-Fashioned Blueberry Pie

Spiced Lamb With Hummus and Pickled Onions

There's no shame in buying "cheater" ingredients to save time! Premade hummus brings this Middle-Eastern dish together and makes prep a cinch.

Apple Fritters

These scrumptious treats are a must during apple season. But who are we kidding? They're a welcome indulgence any time of year – especially during the holidays. These fritters are best served warm, so gather everyone in the kitchen to enjoy them as soon as they're ready.

Mexican-Spiced Fair Trade Chocolate Letters

Delicately spiced chocolates make a wonderful gift, particularly if they are the initial of the recipient, as is a Dutch custom. You'll find alphabet moulds at many cake decorating and craft stores or online at McCall's (www.mccalls-cakes.com).

Spiced Peach Chutney

Sweet juicy peaches are the Test Kitchen's most eagerly awaited fruit of the summer. Use firm, ripe local peaches for the best flavour and texture. With only a hint of spice, this chutney is a perfect condiment for cheese, pâté or grilled meat. To jack up the heat, increase the jalapeños to your liking.

Basmati Rice with Carrots, Raisins and Spices (Kabli)

Rice is the centrepiece of an Afghan party, and people always pay attention to see that it is cooked properly and that there is plenty. This dish is traditionally made with lamb, but because many AWCG customers at catering events are vegetarian, it has been successfully adapted and is now a particular favourite.