This aigo boulido recipe is the Provencal cure for anything that ails you. A traditional recipe that incorporates garlic, herbs, and water, it is known informally as “boiled water.” It's a popular dish during the holidays, typically used to balance the rich food of large family gatherings. Bon appetit!

Virtual Cookie Exchange

Our Guide to Herbs & Spices, shares this recipe for Cinnamon Hazelnut Meltaways. Festive in their powdered sugar coating, these melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon nut cookies are perfect for holiday entertaining.

These delightfully chewy Chocolate Rice Cereal Squares are a great low-fat way to get your fix of chocolate. With just a drizzle of chocolate on top, these no-bake cocoa treats are almost guilt free. - From our Guide to Low-Fat Cooking.

Aigo Boulido Photo: ©Kathy Maister

Buckwheat crepes, or Breton crepes, from Brittany are a delicious way to make a simple, wholesome meal. This basic buckwheat crepes recipe is a great version. They beg to be filled with a variety of ingredients, so get creative with what you have on hand. Here are just a few ideas for inspiration!

Breakfast Crepes: Brush a few crisp slices of cooked bacon with apricot preserves and combine with a little bit of Camembert cheese.

Light Lunch Crepes: Toss your favorite chopped vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, onions, etc.) with a bit of olive oil and roast at 450F until they caramelize and turn tender. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Use them to fill the buckwheat crepes along with thinly shaved country ham and bits of Brie.

Dinner Crepes: Lightly sauté 1 1/3 cup mushrooms and ¼ cup chopped shallots in butter until tender and cooked through. Add 1 tablespoon dry white wine, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme, and ½ cup chopped, cooked chicken or turkey, and heat through.

Buckwheat Crepes Photo: ©Stuart Spivack

This tourtiere recipe originated in Quebec and is frequently enjoyed in the winter months, particularly during the holidays. There are no absolute rules for making this meat pie. Some variations can include root vegetables, veal, or seafood in the filling.

The pastry itself is even up to individual interpretation; classic paté brisee is the most widely-known version, but some cooks swear by a seasoned mashed potato topping. Any way you make it, this French Canadian meat pie is a delicious way to warm up on a cold evening. Bon appetit!

Virtual Cookie Exchange

It just wouldn't be Christmas in Eastern Europe without Kolaczki. These flaky cookies start with a buttery cream cheese dough that's filled with fruit or sweet cheese filling. - From our Guide to Eastern European Food

These big, fat, chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies were given 5 stars by a panel of the toughest critics I've ever faced: my kids and six of their friends. Try them and see why! - From our Cooking for Kids Guide

Tourtiere Photo: ©The Vista Dome

France is quite chilly, if not downright cold, this time of year. This mulled apple cider recipe is a great example of a classic, seasonal beverage served in a salon de thé , or French tea house. Try it on a chilly day, or just when you’re craving a soothing, hot beverage. Bon appetit!

Virtual Cookie Exchange

From our Chinese Food Guide: Homemade Fortune Cookies taste so much better than store bought - besides, it’s more fun writing up your own fortunes to put in the cookies!

Our Guides to Spanish Food have a favorite and very traditional Spanish cookie for the holidays called Mantecados - Crumble Cakes. They are so soft, they will literally melt in your mouth. Light and with a delicate anise flavor, words will not do them justice.

Mulled Apple Cider Photo: ©Rebecca Franklin