Name: Buttermilk Corn Bread with Bacon
Yield: Makes 12 to 16 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk; 1 1/4 cups polenta (coarse cornmeal)*; 8 ounces bacon (about 10 slices), cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 cups all purpose flour; 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted; 2 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed (about 13 ounces); *Available at Italian markets, natural foods stores and some supermarkets.

"The crisp little pieces of turkey skin called 'cracklings' were another annual Thanksgiving treat of mine. They reminded me of bacon, and

I could never get enough. My buttermilk corn bread—which is sweet and savory, moist inside and crunchy outside—puts some real bacon into the feast."

Start preparing this one day ahead.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.