This moist, dense, yeast-free bread uses graham flour, a whole wheat grind that includes the bran for flavor and health. Here, it combines with all-purpose flour, molasses and buttermilk to steam over boiling water on the stove.
Mashed potatoes can be made almost completely ahead. Do nearly everything - boil, peel and mash; stir in milk and salt - up to two days ahead. Before serving, reheat. Adding butter at the last minute makes them taste freshly mashed.
Hearty beets, cooked with a spicy glaze, are a delicious side dish that can be frozen and used later, if you like. Just cook them, then bag them up for the freezer.
A base of stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine and steak sauce surrounds chili-seasoned ground beef, bacon and kidney beans in this chili brightened with cilantro.