County recipes

Authentic sausage casserole done right. Creamy custard-like interior with crispy edges and two cheeses interwoven. Say no-more. Make-ahead makes it painlessly delish.

This relish is based on a prize-winning English recipe of more than a generation ago. It is less sweet than traditional chutneys; most of its sweetness comes not from sugar, but from apples, dates, and parsnips. I generally use Winesap apples but any well-flavored, crisp eating apple will do.

Country rigatoni tosses pasta with cannellini bean broth, chicken, Italian sausage, escarole, broccoli, and Parmesan. A rustic Tuscan-style pasta with soul-warming depth.

A succulent and hearty pork stew made with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and zucchini.

Curried chicken thighs simmered with golden apples, mushrooms, and onions in apple cider. Toasted curry powder creates a fragrant sauce that's perfect over rice or baked potatoes.

Skinless chicken braised in dry white wine with mushrooms, carrots, celery, and thyme. A lighter take on French country cooking with a reduced wine sauce. Serves 6.

Country chili with TVP is a hearty vegan chili where textured vegetable protein soaks up smoky chili spices like ground meat, simmered with kidney beans, corn, peppers and tomatoes. High-protein and meat-free.

Homemade country sausage patties with sage, black pepper, and a hint of brown sugar. Six-ingredient breakfast sausage you mix, shape, and pan-fry. No casings required.

Scottish shortbread for Christmas with all-purpose and rice flour for sandy crispness. Butter-forward, only four ingredients, pressed into a jelly-roll pan for easy holiday bars.

A rustic round whole wheat loaf sweetened with molasses and boosted with wheat germ, topped with oats. Simple yeast bread that fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma.

Country-fried steak with saltine cracker breading and a creamy milk gravy made from the pan drippings. A Southern diner classic with cube steaks fried until golden.

Country potato salad with a vinaigrette-soaked Yukon Gold base, hard-boiled eggs, dill pickles, black olives and a cayenne-spiked mayo dressing. The vinegar-while-hot trick is what sets it apart.

Chicken country soup with browned chicken breast, broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper simmered in a simple bouillon broth. A clean, no-fuss vegetable chicken soup in one hour.

A savory ground beef "pie" with a seasoned meat crust baked crisp, then loaded with melted cheddar and mixed veggies. Comfort food that kids and adults devour.

Italian pasta frittata loaded with bow-tie noodles, asparagus, mushrooms, and red pepper. Ready in 22 minutes for a hearty brunch or fast weeknight dinner.

Slow-baked country ham with a brown sugar, honey, dry sherry, and Dijon mustard glaze applied three times for a sticky, caramelized crust. The centerpiece for any holiday feast.