Blue Cheese

Two whole bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon are the key to these super tender braised short ribs.

**What to drink:**A glass of bubbly would be perfect with the olives. Try Domaine Chandon Brut Classic (California, $20).

Cheese power: Monterey Jack and parmesan are creamy and smooth, while blue lends a subtle savoriness.

Look for panko in the Asian foods section of the supermarket.

The classic combo is back — and bacon makes it better than ever.

The sauce for the steaks is an earthy and spicy combination of shiitake mushrooms, Gorgonzola cheese, and chipotle chiles.

This simple roasting method brings deep, bright flavor to winter tomatoes.

This will be a hit with fans of blue cheese. It's so rich that small portions would also be great as a starter or side dish.

This is the ultimate turkey sandwich.

Sweet caramelized onions and pungent blue cheese make a good pair in this simply elegant appetizer.

This delicious last course is a little sweet and a little savory—like dessert and a cheese plate in one dish. If you can't find fresh figs, buy dried black Mission figs, soak them in warm water until very soft, then drain and pat dry.

This easy, elegant, and flavorful salad is delicious with a glass of dry Riesling.

As with tomatoes, the profusion of heirloom varieties of potatoes at farmers' markets has helped us rediscover them as a seasonal ingredient in a rainbow of flavors, colors, and textures. This recipe is the perfect vehicle for trying any number of them. Nutty, creamy La Ratte fingerlings are a favorite of French chefs. German Butterballs, as their name suggests, are soft and buttery. For even cooking, choose potatoes that are about the same size.

Chef-owner Shawn McClain of Custom House restaurant in Chicago created this recipe for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. He recommends using a creamy, mild blue cheese like Fourme d'Ambert.

Grape focaccia is a Tuscan classic. Here, we've reworked it with two kinds of cheese and a dash of sweet wine.

Tender, rich, and browned on top, this easy potato gratin gets loads of flavor from a very minimal amount of blue cheese that is added at the last minute.