Bon Appétit

Vanilla-accented Cognac adds a twist to the traditional Kir Royale (an aperitif made with Champagne and crème de cassis). Prepare the Cognac-vanilla mixture at least one day ahead so that the flavors can mingle. Have extra bottles of Champagne on hand for a second go-round.

A great barbecue thirst-quencher.

This twist on the classic brunch drink gets its flavor from three types of citrus. For large parties, you can prepare several batches a few hours ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Then, before serving, thaw the mixture slightly and whisk to blend.

This great-tasting drink is reminiscent of the classic Dreamsicles that used to be sold from the neighborhood ice cream truck.

This chai recipe—inspired by versions in India—combines black tea, spices, and milk. The savory notes from black pepper and cardamom in this version give it a wonderful aromatic complexity.

Louise Pickerel of Muskogee, Oklahoma, writes: "The hot chocolate with coffee and hazelnut liqueurs here is my version of a restaurant recipe. I call it a "chocolate bar," and it does make a nice, lighter alternative to dessert after a filling meal. It's also something good to curl up with in front of the fire." Warming and full of holiday cheer.

Keep the glasses and a pitcher of the vodka in the freezer (for at least six hours before the party) so that you can provide instant gratification to each arriving guest. A medicine dropper is a great vermouth dispenser.

Set up an assembly line to make six or so of these lovely cocktails at a time: Fill each glass with the liqueurs, then top with Champagne. Flutes are elegant but not essential.

If desired, the smoothie can be strained to remove the berry seeds, but the seeds contain lots of beneficial dietary fiber.

Served with a scoop of ice cream, this crisp, easy shortbread makes an elegant dessert. Try it dipped into melted chocolate or served with coffee and chocolates.

Here, sautéed polenta triangles add another dimension to a southwestern-style stew.

The flavorful butter adds plenty of zip.

Tikka curry paste — used to season the chicken — can be found in Asian markets, but any mild Indian curry paste can be substituted.

For soft and chewy cookies, bake these just a couple of minutes less than the recipe directs.

Fresh fennel adds crunch and goat cheese lends tang to this meatless pizza.

A dish from the Pays de Caux region in northern France, where it is called salade Cauchoise. The salad is traditionally bound with crème fraîche, but it is delicious made with mayonnaise, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a festive presentation, place the toffee in clear cellophane bags and tie with French silk ribbon.