Dinner

This soup, with its smoky, slightly sweet flavour from the roasted peppers, makes a memorable start to any meal.

Table settings, candlelight, a glass of something delicious and a plate of something impressive, all ready in under an hour. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, the dreary midpoint of winter is the perfect time to remind yourself of the pleasures of a great meal.

There is a deep and storied tradition of meatballs as dim sum. Arguably the most famous of the bunch are lion’s head, notable for their springy texture, which is achieved by vigorously beating the ground meat against the side of the bowl. The technique takes some time to master, so consider this recipe an entry-level foray inspired by the classic, with water chestnuts for texture and the requisite seasoning of five-spice powder and tangerine zest. Look for coarsely ground fatty pork or ask your butcher for a custom mix with 20 to 30 percent fat.—Tara O'Brady

This versatile recipe comes together in minutes. I like toasting my own spices, but you can sub in a store-bought mix, such as garam masala, shawarma seasoning or ras el hanout. Stuff the sizzling kebabs into pitas with roasted veg; serve alongside dal, naan and kachumber; tuck into lettuce wraps; or make mini versions for cocktail hour.—Tara O'Brady

Instructions What would Thanksgiving dinner be without pumpkin pie? It's a must-have for most holiday tables, and this one is...