Condiment

Purchased mayo gets dressed up with garlic, Dijon, and lemon juice.

Chef Tracht likes an assertive sauce, so she uses extra-hot prepared horseradish. For a milder sauce, use less horseradish or the regular-strength variety.

Brown sugar and molasses are balanced by fresh ginger and jalapeños.

Is there a child in this world that doesn't love applesauce? This pink-hued, cinnamon-spiked version is just the right topping for the latkes.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from Jean Anderson's book A Love Affair with Southern Cooking. Pickled oysters are a cocktail favorite wherever oysters are fresh, plump, and flavorful, meaning most of the South. The hostesses I know like to mound them in small crystal bowls, top them off with a little of the pickling liquid, and pass with toothpicks so that guests can "go spearfishing." Though the red serranos add color, I suggest sprigging the bowl with fresh dill umbels or sprigs of Italian parsley. Come to think of it, small fennel umbels would also be attractive and appropriate. Note: Because cooking clouds the oyster liquid, I pour it through a coffee filter–-lined sieve directly onto the oysters and spices. Makes for a prettier presentation at serving time.

A glaze lacquers and flavors the bird.

Make up to three weeks ahead and freeze. Defrost before the big day.

Papaya brings a fresh twist to the traditional tomato salsa.

Chilies, lime juice and mint enhance the flavor of our Thai Summer Rolls .

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: With roast chicken or pork, or spoon atop goat-cheese crostini.

This spice mix includes the same seasonings as those used to flavor India's clay-oven-baked tandoori chicken. SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Rub under the skin of a whole chicken before roasting; add to a pan sauce for seared scallops; sprinkle over cauliflower before sautéing; mix with yogurt and use as a marinade for leg of lamb.

This gently sweet ricotta tart provides a creamy base to a rich compote of dried fruit, which includes figs, sour cherries, and apricots (we much prefer the tangy California kind over Turkish). It's much lighter than a cheesecake, but it hits all the right spots. The Miraglia family likes the tart chilled, but we also loved it at room temperature.

Quick-pickled cabbage has a refreshing crunch, with a light saltiness enhanced by umeboshi (Japanese salted plums with purple shiso).

We typically think of pickling as involving mainly vinegar or, as is the case with kimchi, a fermenting process. In India, however, oil is the secret ingredient, employed to carry the flavor of spices. Here, mustard seeds and ground turmeric bring brightness to the mix.

This recipe was created by chef Traci Des Jardins of San Francisco's Jardinière. It's part of a special menu she created for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. There are two types of persimmons widely available during the Thanksgiving holiday—fuyu and hachiya. Chef Des Jardins prefers the fuyu in savory preparations because its texture is much firmer and the flavor less sweet. When picking fuyu persimmons, look for firm, brightly colored fruit. Start making relish at least 24 hours and up to 3 days in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop.

This sweet and spicy salsa takes the place of the more traditional cranberry sauce. To retain the peppers' subtle smokiness, avoid rinsing them after they've been peeled. Instead, dip your fingers in a small bowl of water to help remove any clingy seeds or skin.

This vibrant condiment takes its inspiration from the popular Cosmopolitan drink. The alcohol heightens the sauce's flavor, but for kids and nondrinkers, the recipe can easily be made nonalcoholic by substituting orange juice for the water and deleting the vodka and liqueur.

Just three ingredients make a fresh and bright uncooked relish—and the colors are beautiful, too.

Boiling down the cider gives great apple flavor; parsley adds color and freshness.