Cookthink

Pan-Seared Halibut with Brussels Sprouts, Leeks, and Bacon

This is my idea of a 30-minute meal: no theme, no tricks. Just a few good ingredients, cooked with care and a splash of vinegar, with time to enjoy a glass of wine while you’re at the stove. Read more about this recipe at Jess Thomson's hogwash.

Duck Hash

I always end up with leftover duck, like when I make this Duck Breast Salad. Duck hash is a succulent and unexpected dish that's festive enough for company and a perfect solution to leftovers. Like this recipe? Find more like it in one of Barbara Kafka's many excellent cookbooks.

Risotto With Bacon, Asparagus And Rosemary

The earthiness of fresh asparagus is enhanced by woodsy rosemary and rich salty bacon in this risotto. Tangy pecorino rounds out the taste and flavor spectrum. Try substituting pancetta or prosciutto for the bacon, and marjoram or oregano for the rosemary.

Bacon And Sage Mashed Potatoes

Save these rich, decadent mashed potatoes for the coldest, dreariest winter day. Read more about this recipe at the Washington Post.

Bacon-Cheddar Burger

Choose a smoky, full-flavored bacon for this burger, which takes a traditional topping and mixes it right into the meat. The cheese in the burger helps form a crusty exterior, adding another layer of flavor. Read more about this recipe at the Washington Post.

Charred Chicken Salad

Smoky barbecued chicken makes a base for this delicious warm salad. You could also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or, really, any leftover chicken. This recipe is part of Andrew Schloss's Sunday Dinners.

Fettuccine With Pancetta, Egg And Parmesan

This is a variation on classic Spaghetti Alla Carbonara. The broad fettuccine enhances the silkiness of the egg-y sauce. Making this with guanciale gives it a more intense porkiness, but we like how the milder flavor of pancetta melds into the sauce.

Lamb Stew With Cider And Root Vegetables

This hearty stew provides an intoxicating dose of autumn in a bowl. Just about any cut of stewing lamb works here, slowly simmered in hard apple cider and vegetable stock with an assortment of root vegetables added later for color.

Spinach Sauteed With Bacon And Walnuts

The smoky flavor of bacon is perfect with spinach and walnuts. If you have leftovers, try using them in a dish of potato and spinach gnocchi or as filling for an omelet. This recipe is part of Andrew Schloss's Sunday Dinners.

Potato And Spinach Gnocchi With Garlic, Parmesan And Bacon

Follow the recipe or use leftover spinach sauteed with bacon or twice-baked potatoes. This recipe is part of Andrew Schloss's Sunday Dinners.

Yellow Split Pea Soup With Autumn Squash And Kale

Farmers market tomatoes, squash, rosemary and kale make fine flavorings for a split pea soup. Read more about this recipe in Fresh From the Farmer's Market.

Trieste-Style Bean And Sauerkraut Soup

This recipe for this hearty soup popular in northeast Italy was adapted from Saveur (who adapted it from Lidia Bastianich's book La Cucina di Lidia.)