565 traditional recipes

Apfelschaum is a baked Swabian apple mousse: tart Granny Smith apples stewed in white wine, sieved smooth, then folded with stiff egg whites and baked low for an airy traditional German dessert.

Mexican polvorones, crumbly cinnamon shortbread cookies coated in a chocolate-cinnamon sugar. Baked low and slow for a melt-in-your-mouth traditional Mexican cookie.

Traditional Irish creamed kale simmered in butter, double cream, and stock with a pinch of nutmeg. A simple, hearty side dish that turns sturdy kale leaves silky and rich.

German elderberry soup (Holunderbeersuppe): cooked elderberries with lemon, sugar, and cornstarch for a traditional tart-sweet fruit soup served hot or chilled.

Cuban yucca con mojo boils tender yuca root and drenches it in a sizzling garlic-lime mojo sauce. A traditional Caribbean side with tangy-sharp flavor over starchy root.

Classic succotash with lima beans, sweet corn, butter, cream, and a hint of savory. The traditional Native American side dish that's been on American tables since colonial times.

A traditional Greek soupies me spanaki: tender cuttlefish braised in olive oil with wilted spinach, spring onions, and lemon. Rustic Mediterranean seafood at its best.

Traditional Rio Grande Valley barbacoa de cabeza, beef head pit-cooked overnight in coals with onion, garlic, and cilantro. The Sunday-morning tortilla filling that defines South Texas cooking.

Maine potato donuts use cold mashed potatoes for an extra-tender, never-greasy fried doughnut. Traditional New England recipe spiced with ginger and vanilla. Makes 2 dozen old-fashioned donuts.

Feuerzangenbowle, the traditional German fire punch with mulled red wine, a flaming rum-soaked sugar cone, orange and lemon peel, and cloves. A dramatic holiday spectacle.

Calamaria Gemista: traditional Greek stuffed squid filled with rice, pine nuts, currants, and fresh herbs, then slow-simmered in wine and tomatoes until fork-tender.

German braised red cabbage with bacon, apple, onion, and a sweet-sour vinegar-sugar finish. A traditional side dish that gets better with every reheat.

Nopales con huevos y serranos: Mexican scrambled eggs with cactus paddle strips, fiery serrano chiles, tomato, cilantro, and melted Monterey Jack. A hearty breakfast from Mexico's high desert tradition.

Meatless apple and green tomato mincemeat with golden raisins, currants, citrus zest, and warm holiday spices. A vegetarian alternative to traditional mincemeat, perfect for pies, tarts, and gift jars.

Traditional salt cod fish cakes with mashed potatoes, onion, and egg. A Newfoundland and Maritime classic fried until golden. Five ingredients, overnight soak required.

Ukrainian kutia is a traditional Christmas Eve grain dish of buckwheat, ground poppy seeds, honey, and walnuts. The first of 12 dishes served at Sviata Vecheria, eaten cold and symbolic of family unity.