Thyme

A simply spectacular main-course. Ask the butcher to grind any pork trimmings to use in the stuffing. Either hard cider or Pinot Noir would be delicious alongside.

Wild rice and winter squash are perfect with this easy and elegant entrée.

Offer this as a side dish with grilled lamb or as a light supper for two with a salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. If fingerling potatoes are not available, small red potatoes, halved, may be substituted.

Serve with: Buttered noodles and steamed Swiss chard. Dessert: A bakery Linzertorte.

This Dijon favorite goes well with french fries. Offer a red or white Burgundy.

Here's a versatile pesto. It's great with goat cheese as an appetizer, mixed with balsamic vinegar as a vinaigrette, spread on sandwiches, tossed with steamed carrots, or mixed with a little cream and chicken broth and served over pasta.

Use this stock to prepare Chicken with Parsley and Thyme Stuffing and Roasted Potatoes .

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 18 hr (includes chilling)

For this rustic French meal, start with mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette; serve new potatoes tossed in butter and parsley with the beef; and end with plum tarts topped with whipped cream. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.