While many cookbooks pile up the recipes on us, Cal Peternell, a chef of Chez Panisse in Twelve Recipes (William Morrow, October 2014) scales things back and keeps it humanly manageable. Late October- early November cooler evenings call for warm soups. Here's one you can serve straight or spiced up. LEBLEBI This North African soup combines a simple stew of onion, cilantro, and spiced chickpeas with toasted bread chunks, turning humble to sublime, especially if...

Even runners post New York marathon could use a blood warmer on this chilly blustery first Sunday of November. While you're at it, do it in style with this recipe from Sherry A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with Cocktails and Recipes (Ten Speed Press, October 14-2014) by Talia Baiocchi, recipe with roots in Pigalle. Artist’s Special This drink first appears in Harry McElhone’s 1927 Barflies and Cocktails, and again three years...