I usually use boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breast in this recipe. No need to wait for the chicken breast to thaw before baking.

Here is an easy way to serve a crowd a hearty breakfast before facing the elements for a day of winter sports. You can assemble it in the slow cooker in the evening and wake up to a bowl of hot, nourishing oatmeal. The slow cooker eliminates the need for constant stirring and ensures an exceptionally creamy consistency. It is important to use steel-cut oats; old-fashioned oats become too soft during slow-cooking.

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Ingredient note: Steel-cut oats, sometimes labeled Irish oatmeal, look like small pebbles. They are toasted oat groats the oat kernel that has been removed from the husk that have been cut in 2 or 3 pieces. Do not substitute regular rolled oats, which have a shorter cooking time, in the slow-cooker oatmeal recipe.

“For a change of pace from traditional bread stuffing, try this elegant, nutty-tasting pilaf, which features quick-cooking whole-grain bulgur.”

Ingredient note: Fiber-rich bulgur is made from whole-wheat kernels that are precooked, dried and cracked. Virtually a whole-grain convenience food, bulgur cooks in less than 20 minutes. You can find it in health-food stores and some large supermarkets. To stuff a turkey, prepare the recipe and let cool completely. Place about 5 cups of the stuffing loosely in turkey cavities; heat the remainder separately.

To make ahead: The stuffing will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and add 1/2 cup water. Cover and microwave on high for 10 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, bake at 350°f for 25 to 30 minutes.)

Fresh and dried cranberries, tomatoes, mustard seeds and fragrant curry spices enliven this zesty chicken stew. Excellent prepared ahead and reheated, it makes a convenient casual company entree. Serve with brown basmati rice.

To make ahead: Cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

“Cranberries can be momentary pleasures, just around for late autumn—that is, unless you think to stock ahead. Buy a packet or two for the freezer so you can make this quick supper all year long. (Or out of season, look for frozen whole cranberries in the freezer case of your local market.)”

Kitchen tip: To make quick work of chopping cranberries, place whole berries in a food processor and pulse a few times until the berries are coarsely chopped.

On the tiny artists’ island of Burano near Venice, I was served a first course of shrimp risotto that simply beguiled me. As soon as I returned home I set about re-creating this achingly fresh dish. Many pounds of rice later, I hit upon a recipe that I believe comes close to the original. Until I return to A Romano, it’ll do just nicely. – by David Leite