Herb-Buttermilk-Marinated Salmon with Cucumber Salad

The salmon is delicious either warm or at room temperature.

For the salmon

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (about 6 medium scallions)
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 Tbs. honey
• 1 Tbs. ground ginger
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sides of salmon (3 lb. each), skin and pin bones removed

For the cucumber salad:

• 3 large English cucumbers, cut in half lengthwise, seeded, and sliced crosswise (about 9-1/2 cups)
• 1 large red onion, cut in half and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cut in half
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Marinate and roast the salmon:

In a food processor, combine the buttermilk, basil, cilantro, scallions, vinegar, honey, ginger, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Set aside 3/4 cup for the salad.

Thirty minutes before roasting the salmon, pour the remaining marinade over the salmon in a large rimmed dish and let sit at room temperature. (For the best texture, don't marinate longer than 30 minutes.)

While the salmon is marinating, position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. When ready to roast the salmon, remove it from the marinade and set on the baking sheet. Bake until just firm to the touch and opaque in the center (use a paring knife to peek), 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Make the salad:

In a medium bowl, mix the cucumbers, onion, olives, cheese, and 1-1/2 tsp. salt. Toss with the reserved buttermilk dressing and season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Serve:

Use two large spatulas to carefully move the salmon to a platter. Spoon some of the cucumber salad around the salmon and serve the rest in a bowl on the side.

Ham and Polenta Spoonbread

Traditionally served in the South, spoonbread is a savory pudding-like dish that makes hearty breakfast fare (although it’s great for dinner, too). Here, it’s livened up with a dose of fresh herbs.

• 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more for the pan
• 3 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
• Kosher salt
• 2/3 cup quick-cooking polenta
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb. leftover roasted fresh ham, chopped (about 2 cups) (or substitute roast pork loin or cured baked ham) 
• 4 oz. fontina, grated (1 cup)
• 2 oz. Asiago, grated (1/2 cup)
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 3 dashes red hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
• Freshly ground black pepper

Tip:

If you substitute cured ham for the fresh ham, you might want to reduce the amount of salt in the spoonbread.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 6-cup baking dish, preferably oval.


Bring the milk and 1/2 tsp. salt to a simmer in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the polenta. Continue whisking until thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.


Melt 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 15 minutes. Add the ham and stir often until warmed through, about 2 minutes.


Stir the ham mixture, cheeses, egg yolks, basil, oregano, thyme, hot pepper sauce, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper into the polenta; mix well.


In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Fold the beaten egg whites into the polenta and then spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Cut the remaining 2 Tbs. butter into pieces and dot on top.


Bake until brown and puffed, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving with a large spoon.

Ham Bone Collards

A ham bone is the perfect flavoring for a big pot of collards, known in the South as a “mess of greens.” If you don’t have a ham bone, a smoked ham hock can stand in.

• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 2-1/2 cups homemade or low-salt chicken broth
• 1 meaty ham bone (from a baked ham) or a smoked ham hock
• 1-1/2 to 2 lb. collard greens (1 large or 2 medium bunches), stemmed, roughly cut into 3-inch pieces, and rinsed (8 packed cups)
• 2-1/2 tsp. malt vinegar; more as needed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Hot sauce to taste

In an 8-qt. pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and continue to cook until it’s softened and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes more. Stir in the cayenne and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the broth, the ham bone, and 1/2 cup water. Pile on the collards, cover with the lid ajar, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the greens are very tender, about 15 minutes more.

Take the pot off the heat. Put the ham bone on a cutting board, and cover the pot to keep the greens hot. When the ham bone is cool enough to handle, pull off and shred or dice any meat clinging to the bone. Stir the meat into the greens, along with the vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar to taste. Pass the hot sauce at the table so diners can spice up the greens to their own tastes.

Sausage and Egg Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

Tortillas stuffed with spicy chorizo, scrambled eggs, and potatoes are topped off with a tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese for a breakfast that will keep you warm all day. The heat level on this dish is adjustable—if you prefer a milder dish, use only half a jalapeño in the sauce and leave out the green chiles.

For the tomatillo sauce

• 2 lb. fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed in warm water
• 1 medium jalapeño, stemmed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the enchiladas

• 2 to 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for the baking dish
• 1 small russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3/4 lb. fresh, raw chorizo, casings removed and meat crumbled
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chiles, drained (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 16 6-inch corn tortillas
• 4 oz. Monterey Jack, grated (1 cup)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

The night before

Make the sauce
Put the tomatillos and the jalapeño in a 4-quart saucepan and add water to within 1 inch of the top. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the tomatillos occasionally, until they’re khakigreen all over and very tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos to a blender. Halve the jalapeño, and add one half to the blender. Add the cilantro, garlic, cumin, and 2 tsp. salt and purée (you should still see the tomatillo seeds). Taste and blend in the other jalapeño half if you prefer a spicier sauce. Add the cream and pulse to blend. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Enchiladas
Oil a 9x13–inch baking dish and set aside.

Add the potato and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile,cook the chorizo in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-highheat, breaking up the meat, until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Use aslotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a large bowl. Discard all but 1Tbs. fat from the pan. (If there’s less than 1 Tbs. of fat, add a bit
of the vegetable oil.)

Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the
bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened,
about 5 minutes. Stir in the potato and then cook undisturbed until
browned on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mixture to the chorizo.
Add the green chiles, if using.

Whisk the eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and
several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in the
skillet over low heat and cook until the foam subsides. Add the eggs andcook without stirring until they begin to set on the bottom, about 20
seconds. Draw a wooden spoon across the pan a few times to form large
curds. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are
barely set and still quite moist, 1 to 2 minutes—do not cook through.
Add the eggs to the chorizo mixture.

Stir 1 cup of the tomatillo sauce into the eggchorizo mixture. Cover the remaining sauce and refrigerate.

Brushboth sides of one tortilla with oil and put on a microwaveable plate.
Oil the remaining tortillas on one side and stack, oiled side up. Cover
with a paper towel and microwave the tortillas until warm and pliable, 1to 1-1/2 minutes. Arrange about 1/3 cup of the egg mixture in a line
down the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place each filled
tortilla seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish withplastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the enchiladas, pour the remaining tomatillo sauce evenly over them, and top with the cheese. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then serve with the sour cream, if using.

Sausage and Egg Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

Tortillas stuffed with spicy chorizo, scrambled eggs, and potatoes are topped off with a tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese for a breakfast that will keep you warm all day. The heat level on this dish is adjustable—if you prefer a milder dish, use only half a jalapeño in the sauce and leave out the green chiles.

For the tomatillo sauce

• 2 lb. fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed in warm water
• 1 medium jalapeño, stemmed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the enchiladas

• 2 to 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for the baking dish
• 1 small russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3/4 lb. fresh, raw chorizo, casings removed and meat crumbled
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chiles, drained (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 16 6-inch corn tortillas
• 4 oz. Monterey Jack, grated (1 cup)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

The night before

Make the sauce
Put the tomatillos and the jalapeño in a 4-quart saucepan and add water to within 1 inch of the top. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the tomatillos occasionally, until they’re khakigreen all over and very tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos to a blender. Halve the jalapeño, and add one half to the blender. Add the cilantro, garlic, cumin, and 2 tsp. salt and purée (you should still see the tomatillo seeds). Taste and blend in the other jalapeño half if you prefer a spicier sauce. Add the cream and pulse to blend. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Enchiladas
Oil a 9x13–inch baking dish and set aside.

Add the potato and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile,cook the chorizo in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-highheat, breaking up the meat, until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Use aslotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a large bowl. Discard all but 1Tbs. fat from the pan. (If there’s less than 1 Tbs. of fat, add a bit
of the vegetable oil.)

Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the
bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened,
about 5 minutes. Stir in the potato and then cook undisturbed until
browned on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mixture to the chorizo.
Add the green chiles, if using.

Whisk the eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and
several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in the
skillet over low heat and cook until the foam subsides. Add the eggs andcook without stirring until they begin to set on the bottom, about 20
seconds. Draw a wooden spoon across the pan a few times to form large
curds. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are
barely set and still quite moist, 1 to 2 minutes—do not cook through.
Add the eggs to the chorizo mixture.

Stir 1 cup of the tomatillo sauce into the eggchorizo mixture. Cover the remaining sauce and refrigerate.

Brushboth sides of one tortilla with oil and put on a microwaveable plate.
Oil the remaining tortillas on one side and stack, oiled side up. Cover
with a paper towel and microwave the tortillas until warm and pliable, 1to 1-1/2 minutes. Arrange about 1/3 cup of the egg mixture in a line
down the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place each filled
tortilla seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish withplastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the enchiladas, pour the remaining tomatillo sauce evenly over them, and top with the cheese. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then serve with the sour cream, if using.

Dried Cherry and Coconut Granola

Wake up to a fresh batch of cardamom-scented granola, which becomes crisp overnight in the cooling oven. It’s delicious with almonds, pistachios, and dried cherries, but you can use any nuts and dried fruit you like. Serve with yogurt or milk.

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1-1/2 cups slivered almonds
• 1 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips or unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup dried cherries, preferably unsweetened

The night before

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Line a large heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

Combine the oats, almonds, pistachios, coconut, cinnamon, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup, oil, and brown sugar and stir well. Spread onto the prepared sheet and bake until just starting to turn golden, about 15 minutes. Turn off the oven. Stir the granola mixture, return to the oven, and close the door. Let the granola sit in the oven for 6 to 12 hours.

In the morning

Transfer the granola to a large bowl, breaking up any large clumps. Stir in the dried cherries and serve. (Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month.)

Overnight Gingerbread Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Rich with molasses and warming spices, this oatmeal brings to mind old-fashioned gingerbread. A quick boil at night and an overnight lounge in the fridge means the notoriously slow-cooking grains need only 10 minutes of simmering. Serve with a drizzle of cream and, if you like, chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts.

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsulfured mild molasses
• Kosher salt
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1-1/2 cups steel-cut oats
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped crystallized ginger
• Heavy cream, for serving

The night before

In a 3-quart saucepan, whisk the brown sugar, molasses, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, the spices, and 6 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the oats and return to a boil. Turn the heat down to maintain a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent sticking. Remove from the heat and let the oats cool to room temperature in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning

Bring the covered oatmeal to a boil over medium heat. Uncover and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the oatmeal is pleasantly chewy, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the raisins and crystallized ginger. Cover and let sit until a little more of the liquid is absorbed and the oatmeal is cool enough to eat, about 5 minutes. Serve drizzled with the cream.

Dried Cherry and Coconut Granola

Wake up to a fresh batch of cardamom-scented granola, which becomes crisp overnight in the cooling oven. It’s delicious with almonds, pistachios, and dried cherries, but you can use any nuts and dried fruit you like. Serve with yogurt or milk.

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1-1/2 cups slivered almonds
• 1 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips or unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup dried cherries, preferably unsweetened

The night before

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Line a large heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

Combine the oats, almonds, pistachios, coconut, cinnamon, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup, oil, and brown sugar and stir well. Spread onto the prepared sheet and bake until just starting to turn golden, about 15 minutes. Turn off the oven. Stir the granola mixture, return to the oven, and close the door. Let the granola sit in the oven for 6 to 12 hours.

In the morning

Transfer the granola to a large bowl, breaking up any large clumps. Stir in the dried cherries and serve. (Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month.)

Venezuelan Chocolate Pancakes with Chocolate Maple Syrup

This recipe is my homage to Sunday-morning brunch, which is one of those occasions when anything goes; in other words, be as indulgent and naughty as you like because it is certainly not the time to count calories or grams of fat. Feel free to add blueberries, nuts, and sultanas if the fancy takes you. The syrup can be made days or even weeks in advance and stored in the fridge.

For the pancakes

• 1 oz. Venezuelan 100% (unsweetened) dark chocolate, grated
• 1-1/3 cups buckwheat or spelt flour
• 1 large organic egg
• 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. light muscovado or brown sugar
• 1 cup plus 3 Tbs. milk
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• unsalted butter, melted, as needed

For the syrup

• Pinch of sea salt
• Scant 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 3-1/2 oz. 70% dark chocolate, chopped

Place all the pancake ingredients (except the butter) in a blender or food processor and process until a smooth, thick batter is formed. Leave the batter to rest while you make the syrup.

To make the syrup, dissolve the salt in 2 tablespoons water in a saucepan over a gentle heat, then add the maple syrup and bring to a simmer. Pour over the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and whisk well until smooth.

Heat a crêpe pan or nonstick large frying pan until quite hot and grease with butter. Spoon 1/4-cup portions of the batter into the griddle, spacing them well apart. Cook over medium heat until you see bubbles on the surface of the pancake, then carefully turn over and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Place the pancakes on a plate and cover with foil until you have cooked the entire batch.

Serve the pancakes laced with the warm syrup—be generous as the pancakes soak up a lot.
 

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Baked Apricot French Toast with Crunchy Corn Flake Streusel

An overnight soak in apricot-almond custard creates a meltingly soft, creamy interior for this baked French toast dish, while the corn flake crumb topping offers a crisp contrast. This recipe works equally well with peach preserves and nectar. Serve with pure maple syrup.

For the French toast

• Softened unsalted butter, for the baking dish
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup whole or low-fat milk
• 1 cup apricot nectar
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 1-lb. loaf day-old challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch-thick slices (discard the ends)

For the topping

• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 2 Tbs. packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
• Pinch table salt

The night before

Assemble the French toast
Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Whisk the eggs, milk, apricot nectar, almond extract, and salt in a large, wide bowl. Spread a thin layer of apricot preserves on one side of each slice of bread and then dip both sides of each slice in the custard. Arrange the slices jam side up in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary. Pour any remaining custard over the bread and gently press the bread into the custard. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for 4 to 18 hours.

Make the topping
In a large bowl, stir the butter with a silicone spatula until smooth. Add the corn flakes, sugar, cinnamon, almond extract, and salt. Using your fingertips, work the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the baking dish and press down gently on the bread to absorb any custard on the bottom of the dish. Scatter the topping over the bread, re-cover with the foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until puffy and golden, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Seeded Crackers

The dough can be refrigerated for two days or frozen for up to a month, and then thawed for two hours at room temperature.

For the topping:

• 1 Tbs. sesame seeds
• 2 tsp. poppy seeds
• 2 tsp. fennel or caraway seeds
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt

For the dough:

• 6-3/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more for rolling
• 2 oz. (scant 1/2 cup) whole-wheat flour
• 1 tsp. table salt
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.

Make the topping:

In a small bowl, stir the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and fennel or caraway seeds. Fill another small bowl with water and set it aside along with a pastry brush and the kosher salt.

Make the dough:

In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, and table salt. Add the olive oil and 1/2 cup water to the flour; stir with a rubber spatula until it collects into a soft, crumbly ball of dough. Use the spatula or your hands to press the dough against the sides of the bowl to gather all the stray flour.

Set the dough on a lightly floured work surface and portion it into thirds. Pat each portion into a square. Set two squares aside and cover with a clean towel. Roll the remaining dough into a rectangle about 1/16 inch thick and 7 or 8 inches wide by 14 or 15 inches long. Whenever you feel resistance, lift up one edge of the dough and sprinkle more flour underneath before you continue rolling.

With a pastry brush, brush the dough lightly with water and sprinkle about a third of the seed mix evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. of the kosher salt. With a dough scraper, pizza cutter, ravioli cutter, or sharp knife, cut the dough in half lengthwise and then cut across to make rectangles roughly 2 by 4 inches. Don’t bother trimming the edges; rustic edges add character.

Transfer to an unlined baking sheet. Bake until nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

While each batch is baking, clean your work surface as needed and repeat the rolling and cutting with the remaining portions of dough. Store the cooled crackers in a zip-top plastic bag. They’ll keep for up to a week.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Baked Apricot French Toast with Crunchy Corn Flake Streusel

An overnight soak in apricot-almond custard creates a meltingly soft, creamy interior for this baked French toast dish, while the corn flake crumb topping offers a crisp contrast. This recipe works equally well with peach preserves and nectar. Serve with pure maple syrup.

For the French toast

• Softened unsalted butter, for the baking dish
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup whole or low-fat milk
• 1 cup apricot nectar
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 1-lb. loaf day-old challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch-thick slices (discard the ends)

For the topping

• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 2 Tbs. packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
• Pinch table salt

The night before

Assemble the French toast
Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Whisk the eggs, milk, apricot nectar, almond extract, and salt in a large, wide bowl. Spread a thin layer of apricot preserves on one side of each slice of bread and then dip both sides of each slice in the custard. Arrange the slices jam side up in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary. Pour any remaining custard over the bread and gently press the bread into the custard. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for 4 to 18 hours.

Make the topping
In a large bowl, stir the butter with a silicone spatula until smooth. Add the corn flakes, sugar, cinnamon, almond extract, and salt. Using your fingertips, work the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the baking dish and press down gently on the bread to absorb any custard on the bottom of the dish. Scatter the topping over the bread, re-cover with the foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until puffy and golden, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Creamy Collards with Smithfield Ham

Southern lore says to eat collards (and black-eyed peas) on New Year’s Day to bring good luck. This creamy rendition makes superstition delicious.

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped garlic 
• 1-1/2 cups chopped Smithfield ham, other country-cured ham, or prosciutto
• 2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken stock
• 2 large heads (about 3 lb. total) collard greens, washed, stemmed, and cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ham; sauté for about 1 minute. Add the stock and collard greens; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the collards are tender, about 15 minutes. (The greens will diminish in volume as they cook.) Add the heavy cream and cook until it reduces and thickens slightly, another 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Basic Buttermilk Pancakes

If buttermilk isn’t available, use 2 to 2-1/4 cups whole milk instead. To play with the texture, try replacing 1/2 cup of the all-purpose with whole-wheat flour, buckwheat flour, or even medium-grind cornmeal.

• 10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp.baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2-1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 oz. (2 Tbs.) butter, melted
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. sugar
• Vegetable oil or butter for the pan or griddle

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, thouroughly combine the buttermilk, eggs, butter, and sugar.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, as opposed to dry into wet. (This way gives you more control, and less flour flies about.) Mix with just a few strokes until the batter is evenly moistened. (The batter will be lumpy.)

Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a griddle (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat. Oil the griddle lightly. The pan is ready when water droplets dance briefly on the surface before disappearing.

Pour the batter from the tip of a spoon. Use the spoon to gently spread this fairly thick batter.

Flip the pancakes when they’re covered in bubbles. Check the underside to be sure it’s nicely browned, flip, and cook the other side for about half as long, until golden brown. Serve immediately with maple syrup or jam.

Apricot Stuffed French Toast with Apricot Glaze

Monterey Jack may seem like an odd addition to this sweet breakfast treat, but it's not discernible in the creamy filling; instead, it adds dimension to the mild-flavored cream cheese and ricotta.

For the filling:

• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta

For the French toast:

• 6 slices (1-1/2 inches thick) cinnamon bread, challah, or other medium-textured loaf
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1-1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 Tbs. corn oil

For the glaze:

• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup brandy

Make the filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary, about 1 minutes. Beat in the apricot preserves. Gently stir in the Monterey Jack and ricotta until just combined.

Make the French toast:

Create a pocket in each slice of bread by inserting a sharp knife into the center of the top crust and then working the knife in both directions, cutting to within 3/4 inch of the sides and bottom (be careful not to puncture the sides).

Squeeze the bread gently to part the opening. Spoon in 2 or 3 Tbs. of the prepared filling until the pocket is full but not bursting; the amount will depend on the size of the bread. Tap the bread on the counter to settle the filling. Wipe any extra filling from the opening with a clean paper towel.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and cream. Dip each slice of stuffed bread into the egg mixture, soaking each side for about 1 minute to coat well and evenly. Stand the pieces upright in a baking dish and drizzle with any remaining egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Sauté as many pieces of French toast as will fit comfortably in the pan at one time, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 2 min. per side; the bread will puff up a bit. Continue with all pieces. Put the sautéed French toast on a greased baking sheet and bake until the filling is heated through, 6 to 8 minutes.

Make the glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the preserves and brandy. Bring the mixture just to a boil. Remove from the heat. Serve warm over the French toast.

Basic Black-Eyed Peas

• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 to 3 sprigs thyme
• 1-1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas, sorted through and rinsed
• 1 tsp. kosher salt

Wrap the bay leaves, garlic, and thyme in cheesecloth and tie with twine. Put the black-eyed peas in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches (about 2 quarts). Add the herb bundle and the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the beans are tender (try biting into one) but not splitting and falling apart, 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on the freshness the of beans. (check occasionally to be sure the beans aren’t boiling and are covered with liquid; add water if needed). Discard the herb bundle and serve.

Slow-Baked ‘City’ Ham

If you opt for a half-ham, buy the shank end -- the meat contains less fat and gristle; for all size hams, figure about 25 min. per pound.

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in, smoked ham, 17 to 19 lb.

Heat the oven to 275°F. Put the ham in a roasting pan or a big cast-iron skillet. Cover it loosely with foil and heat it for 7-1/2 to 8 hours. Let the ham rest for at least 20 minutes. Before carving, remove the fat and rind from the surface of the ham, if you like. Serve with biscuits and mustard or your favorite chutney.

Baked Apricot French Toast with Crunchy Corn Flake Streusel

An overnight soak in apricot-almond custard creates a meltingly soft, creamy interior for this baked French toast dish, while the corn flake crumb topping offers a crisp contrast. This recipe works equally well with peach preserves and nectar. Serve with pure maple syrup.

For the French toast

• Softened unsalted butter, for the baking dish
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup whole or low-fat milk
• 1 cup apricot nectar
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 1-lb. loaf day-old challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch-thick slices (discard the ends)

For the topping

• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 2 Tbs. packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
• Pinch table salt

The night before

Assemble the French toast
Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Whisk the eggs, milk, apricot nectar, almond extract, and salt in a large, wide bowl. Spread a thin layer of apricot preserves on one side of each slice of bread and then dip both sides of each slice in the custard. Arrange the slices jam side up in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary. Pour any remaining custard over the bread and gently press the bread into the custard. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for 4 to 18 hours.

Make the topping
In a large bowl, stir the butter with a silicone spatula until smooth. Add the corn flakes, sugar, cinnamon, almond extract, and salt. Using your fingertips, work the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the baking dish and press down gently on the bread to absorb any custard on the bottom of the dish. Scatter the topping over the bread, re-cover with the foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until puffy and golden, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.