Kim Kushner

This recipe calls for frenched lamb chops, which are chops with the meat cut away from the end of the rib so part of the bone is exposed. Frenching the chop makes it cleaner, and let’s call it fancier — almost like a lamb lollipop, if you will! Your butcher can do this with the quick swipe of a knife; asking him or her to do this makes fast work of this simple-to-prepare dish. Croute simply means “crust” in French. Fancy.

Yes, I grew up eating kohlrabi, also known as a German turnip. It tastes like a mild version of broccoli and has the texture of an apple. I suppose it was part of my childhood diet because it is available year-round — at the grocery store, even. While my mother prepared it simply — sliced and drizzled with lemon juice — I prefer a slightly more interesting take, paired with cabbage and tossed in a delicious sweet-tart dressing.

Every time I serve this dish, my guests ask: “What is this?” The softness of the butternut squash and sweet potatoes is contrasted with the sharpness of the ginger, and the combination is truly magical. I like to make it in the morning, and keep it in the oven all day long. Your house will smell so good that you’ll want to make it over again and again. This recipe makes a lot of food, which is great!

Once you get the hang of the pavlova technique, making them is really a joy. This dessert is like a work of art, and has all the essentials I think a dessert should have. The glossy meringue shell is crisp and rich, the cream topping is soft and delectable, and the exotic fruit adds the perfect dose of color and flavor. Use your favorite combination of fruit — I have made some suggestions in the recipe below.

I am always looking for a show-stopping dessert that will wow my company, and this recipe does just that. A sheet of silky chocolate bark — sprinkled with crushed bright green pistachios, light pink rose petals, and neutral walnuts — broken by hand or with a wooden mallet. It is beautiful, delicious, and fun to eat. And believe it or not, it’s also really easy to make!