One of the best kitchen smells is bread rising. It's also one of the most impressive things to serve your guests. Try one of these:  Savory Monkey Bread (pictured), Italian Bread, No-Fuss Focaccia, Cinnamon Swirl or Baquettes.

Why don't we cook with duck more often? It's so moist and flavorful and the fat is amazing to cook anything with, from eggs to french fries. Try this homey Cajun Duck Cassoulet or make fancy apps like Seared Duck Breast on Wild Pancakes. 

Nothing better than cooking with beer. Take a swig then pour the rest into batter, poach with it, add it to a savory soup. The possibilites are endless from Beer & Buttermilk Fish Fry (pictured) to Cheddar, Broccoli & Beer Soup to Beer-Poached Pears.