December 2002/ January 2003

Feature Articles		Page
COVER STORY: DINNER WITH FRIENDS MEDITERRANEAN MAKE-AHEAD MENU by Arlene Jacobs Braised chicken takes center stage in a stress-free menu		42
ROASTED PRIME RIB FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Bruce Aidells For the best roast beef, splurge on a high-quality standing rib roast and season it well before roasting		47
GOLDEN RUSSET POTATO GRATIN by Michael Louchen Chicken broth -- instead of cream -- makes a lighter-style potato gratin with a flavor boost from browned onions		50
GLAZING CARROTS FOR SIMPLE SIDES by Tasha Prysi This classic technique works best with conplementary flavorings that won't mask the root's delicate sweetness		52
CHEF VS. CHEF: A SWEET CHALLENGE by Maryellen Driscoll Good things happen when two pastry chefs tinker with chocolate, cherries, almonds, and coffee		56
COOKING WITH FRESH GINGER by Eva Katz Add tangy freshness, light spiciness, and mellow sweetness to your everyday dishes		60
OMELETS FOR DINNER by Kay Baumhefner One simple technique and a few savory fillings make a fast, delicious supper		66
PINEAPPLE DESSERTS BRIGHTEN WINTER by Flo Braker The sweet-tangy flavors of fresh and roasted pineapple add pizzazz to a tart, shortcakes, snack cake, and more		70
Departments		Page
INDEX Recipes, ingredients, techniques, and tools		6
MENUS Entertaining for a crowd or a couple		8
LETTERS		10
CONTRIBUTORS		14
IN SEASON Lemons and limes		16
EQUIPMENT Kitchen shears		20
Q & A		24
ENJOYING WINE Gift bottles for every budget		26
INGREDIENTS Brown sugar, butter, vanilla		22
WORLD CUISINES Versatile crepes from the French Alps		30
GREAT FINDS Cookbooks; super-sharp knives; porcini powder		34
FROM OUR TEST KITCHEN Tasting panel: canned chicken broths; The freshest eggs; Using an instant-read thermometer; Peeling pineapple		76
WHERE TO BUY IT		86
2002 RECIPE INDEX		88
ADVERTISER INDEX		96
NUTRITION INFORMATION		98
PULL-OUT RECIPE SECTION Quick & Delicious		98c
ARTISAN FOODS Velvety truffles		back cover

Mediterranean Make-Ahead Menu, Roasted Prime Rib for the Holidays, Golden Russet Potato Gratin, Glazing Carrots for Simple Sides, Chef vs. Chef: A Sweet Challenge, Cooking with Fresh Ginger, Pineapple Desserts Brighten Winter