Cooking the sausage in the pan first helps flavour the entire dish. Adding some of the pasta water at the end helps loosen the sauce and coats the pasta without adding any fat.
This rich and intensely flavoured English-style soup will become a winter favourite. Use a three- to five-year-old Cheddar for the best flavour. At the end of cooking, adjust salt to taste if necessary, because the salt content of the cheese and broth varies. Pass the pepper mill at the table.
This stuffing works best with day-old bread, which doesn't shrink as much once the liquid is added. If you have a fresh loaf on hand, cut it into cubes and spread on a baking sheet, then toast in 350°F (180°C) oven until slightly crisp, about 10 minutes.
Spoonbread is a soft, spoonable version of cornbread. It's easy to make and is a delicious alternative to stuffing. If you have a large crowd to feed, you might want to make both.
This robustly flavoured yet light meatless puree is perfect for welcoming guests as they gather in the living room. Serve with water crackers or toasted flatbread.
This flavourful creamed spinach casserole, with its golden crust, is deliciously traditional and has an easy make-ahead option — perfect for any large dinner.
These delicious bites come together with a luscious ricotta cream.
