Poultry

_Opor Ayam, Java, Indonesia Editor's note: This recipe is adapted from James Oseland's book _Cradle of Flavor: Home Cooking from the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It was originally accompanied by Lemongrass-Scented Coconut Rice and Lemongrass-Shallot Sambal and was part of an article by Oseland on Indonesian cuisine. A gorgeous coconut-milk curry from Java, Indonesia, perfumed with lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and ground coriander. It's one of the benchmark dishes by which Indonesian home cooks are judged. If a young cook's opor ayam is as rich and delicate as it should be, she's well on her way to becoming skilled in the kitchen. The dish is a perfect showcase for a high-quality free-range chicken. A whole one, cut into small, bone-in serving pieces, will yield the best results, though whole chicken parts can be substituted without compromising the dish's taste. Daun salam leaves, the dried seasoning herb prized in Indonesian cooking, helps give this dish its unique aroma. I've often seen bay leaves listed as a substitute for daun salam in recipe books. While bay leaves have an aggressively mentholated taste, daun salam are subtle, with a faintly foresty flavor. The only thing the two herbs share in common is that they are both green leaves that grow on trees. Omit daun salam leaves if you're unable to find them.

Cracklings made from the leftover duck skin top this satisfying pasta dish.

The duck marinates overnight in a spice rub, so start this recipe one day ahead.

Piquillos are sweet Spanish peppers with a rich, full flavor.

Start this early in the day or the night before. Chilling the chicken uncovered for several hours makes the skin crispy when roasted.

This easy main-course soup is great on its own or with toppings, such as tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream.

We tweaked this Old World sweet-and-sour dish with confit duck, and the amazing result knocked us out.

Chicken thighs are a natural for braising because they stay nice and juicy. Plus, the dark meat is a good counterpoint to the sweetness of peas and the slight acidity of the artichokes.

Nori, or sushi paper, can be found in Asian markets and health food stores.

This hearty stew is brightened by a sprinkling of lemon peel and chopped fresh parsley.

Be sure to start marinating the game hens at least six hours ahead. At Standard Tap, Carolynn Angle uses poussins — small chickens that weigh about a pound each. If you can find them (they're sold frozen at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores), buy six and cook them whole.

What to drink: Andeluna 2004 Reserve Merlot from Argentina ($23), with spice aromas and plum and blackberry flavors.

Amy's favorite workweek dinner.

Inspired by all that's great about Sephardic cooking, this roast chicken feels both homey and exotic. What to drink: A light- to medium-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors is just the thing. Try the Giacosa 2005 Dolcetto d'Alba (Italy, $20) or the Campo Viejo 2000 Reserva (Spain, $13).

Serve this Basque-style dish with rice or bread to soak up all the juices.

A cook's dream: The base is made ahead, and the shrimp are added at the last minute. Best of all, the gumbo tastes even better the second day.

Avocados add a heart-healthy touch to this satisfying salad from executive chef Stephane Beaucamp at Kantina in Newport Beach, California.

Epicurious asked chef Tom Colicchio for this recipe from 'Wichcraft, the sandwich shop in his growing collection of Craft restaurants. It's the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey — and a good excuse to roast a turkey any time of year. To create those leftovers, try Tom Colicchio's Herb-Butter Turkey.