When I first conceived of these bright little tarts, I imagined them as dessert. Later I decided that they were even better as a fancy, yet healthy (gluten-free and sugar-free), breakfast. Either way, they are a luscious pairing of two winter gems: kumquats and dates.

When I pared down my kitchen tools last year, the Breville Smart Oven was among those that stayed firmly in place. It's a counter hog, no doubt about it, but I use this appliance nearly every day.

From our recent posts, we know that many of you love masala chai as much as we do. Here's another aromatic, spiced beverage to try. Indonesian bandrek doesn't contain tea, but it features many of the same ingredients, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Simmer a pot of this on the stove, and your house will smell amazing. (It's also an excellent sore throat soother!)

When we want to add luscious, sweet-tart flavor to marinades, salads, soups, desserts, and even drinks, we often reach for the pomegranate molasses. This jewel-toned condiment can be found at Middle Eastern markets, but we usually go the DIY route and make it at home.

When I'm in a dreaming and scheming mood, I often think about traveling to the Eurasian country of Georgia. This fascination with Georgia started with two of the region's spice blends: khmeli suneli, which we've spotlighted before, and Svanuri marili, a spicy, garlicky, and deeply aromatic seasoning salt.

While one can't go wrong with ordinary roasted carrots and parsnips, there are times – in the middle of winter, especially – when one craves something a bit more glamorous. Something vibrant. I have the solution, and although it does require a few special ingredients, it takes hardly more effort than the typical roasted veg.

Lemon, orange, and other citrus zest is a favorite around here; we use it to brighten everything from pasta to cakes and salads. With the abundance of citrus this time of year, it's an ideal time to freeze zest for later.

In this week's recipe for bibimbap, I mentioned gochujang, the brick-red Korean condiment rich with spicy, umami flavor. A jar or tub of gochujang is well worth having around, and not just for cooking traditional Korean dishes.

Need a wintertime pick-me-up? Let me suggest this dazzling concoction: a bright and sunny soda featuring freshly muddled kumquats and pink peppercorn syrup.

When I think of my favorite comfort foods, the vast majority of them are, shall we say, a bit wanting in the nutrition department. Dolsot bibimbap is the exception. Like mac and cheese or potato pancakes, this popular Korean dish has plenty of carbs – but it's also a well-balanced meal, with a rainbow of vegetables and protein crowning the bowl of hot, steaming rice.