Once you see how easy it is to make homemade applesauce, you’ll never go back to the jarred variety. Makes 3 cups.

North African cooking often features cinnamon in both savory dishes and desserts. Carrots and raisins make this a slightly sweet stew that’s best served with a dollop of “sour” Greek-style yogurt to complement the flavors.

Truffle oil and earthy wild mushrooms turn a simple ragout into a sublime main dish. Truffle oil is a worthwhile investment. A few drops can transform roasted vegetables, bean dishes, and even a plain old bowl of mashed potatoes.

Spicy, sweet, and good for you, this delicious cake is a great way to start the day.

One of the easiest chefs’ techniques to recreate at home is to stack foods like this salad, using a 4-inch metal ring mold (available in kitchen stores) or a clean 14-ounce condensed milk can, opened at both ends.

Clayudas are a Oaxacan dish similar to pizza. Tortillas are slathered with a spicy black bean puree, baked, then sprinkled with various toppings.

Here, mozzarella cheese and tomato slices are topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and drizzled with balsamic syrup for an elegant take on a classic summer appetizer. The balsamic syrup can be made several days ahead, or you can omit it to save time.

Turns out, tacos don’t have to be hot to be delicious. The chickpea-avocado mash used as a filling here is prepared and served at room temperature. (It makes a great sandwich spread as well.) Because the fat content of taco shells can vary, look for brands that contain approximately 6 grams or fewer per shell.

Here I cook chicken breasts fast so they remain moist. A balsamic vinegar sauce lifts their flavor. In place of the colorful side dish of corn and peas, you could serve a starch, such as potatoes or pasta, or other vegetables, such as string beans or spinach.