Dairy

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from James Peterson's book Cooking. Cakes like this carrot cake or banana bread are different than most cakes in that they call for oil, rather than butter. While the oil doesn't contribute much flavor, especially if you use vegetable oil, it does allow you to serve the cakes cold without them hardening, as they would if they were made with butter. Grate the carrot on the finest holes of a box grater that won't turn it to mush, or use the finest grater attachment on your food processor.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from Jamie Oliver's book Cook with Jamie.

Start with a large platter.

Kristine Subido, chef at Wave in Chicago, makes you forget about pasta.

The recipe below is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Ananda spa in India. While the recipe is not low in calories or fat, almost anyone can fit this dessert into a healthy diet by taking small servings of the panna cotta and sabayon and upping the portion of the antioxidant-rich berries. If you are following an Ayurvedic diet, the experts at Ananda recommend this for the vata dosha, and in moderation for the pitta dosha. Be sure to start this recipe one day ahead.

This twist on the Caesar salad is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Ananda spa in India. Iceberg lettuce is topped with a crispy buttermilk, cornmeal, and chickpea flour pancake, low-fat cheese made from yogurt and spices, and an anchovy-free dressing. Note that the raw garlic is rubbed on the croutons after rather than before toasting to preserve its volatile oils. Garlic—particularly when it's uncooked—has been attributed with numerous health benefits, including fighting cancer and killing harmful bacteria. If you are following an Ayurvedic diet, the experts at Ananda recommend this for vata and kapha doshas. Be sure to start this recipe at least one day ahead.

Use beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes for this dish. Serve with crusty bread and a chilled Pinot Grigio or a Provençal-style rosé.

Broiling the tomatoes adds rich flavor to the sandwich.

Be sure to drain the salad before adding to the sandwich.

SERVING SUGGESTION: With pre-dinner drinks or on a salumi platter.

The Italian answer to a French gratin: a dish baked with a crispy cheese (as in this recipe) or breadcrumb topping.

These fried cheese crisps are fun to make, so enlist a few guests to help if you decide to make them at the last minute.

Dried fruit, nuts, and oil-cured olives make this fruitcake something special.

Rillettes—a spread made from meat or fish that's traditionally cooked in fat—is a fitting way to kick off Christmas dinner. This lighter take still feels indulgent but comes together quickly.

Served with a green salad, this would be a great quick supper.

Put on your winter whites for this elegant dessert featuring spiced, wine-poached pears, ladyfingers, and a white chocolate–mascarpone mousse.