Goose ruled the roost in Europe before turkey conquered the holiday table. On Christmas eve, this recipe by Kurt Gutenbrunner from his more than a cookbook Neue Cuisine, the Elegant Tastes of Vienna (Rizzoli New York, Fall 2011) could help a few of you who picked a goose as their bird of choice. CHRISTMAS GOOSE Weihnachtsgans 6 SERVINGS 1 goose (10 to 12 pounds), giblets, neck, and wing tips reserved 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch...

Blood oranges taste like sunshine in the middle of winter. They will also add flesh to holiday cocktails like this one from Raising the Bar (Artisan Books, 2044) by Nick Mautone Blood Orange Sparkler Makes six 5-ounce drinks Blood oranges are a seasonal treat; look for them from December to May. They are grown throughout the Mediterranean as well as in California. Planning ahead: Chill the sparkling wine for at least 30 minutes before making...