
After Gourmet magazine was closed in 2009, former Editor-in-Chief Ruth Reichl spent a year in her kitchen turning out comforting recipes that served as therapy. These are some of her favorite dishes.

These comforting potatoes au gratin were part of Reichl's Christmas present to herself, paired with a 7-pound dry-aged prime rib roast and sauteed spinach to cut the richness.

This gingered applesauce cake glazed with caramel is a staple in Reichl's house, and she often has it around for breakfast, minus the rich glaze.

This lemon tart is one of Reichl's favorite winter desserts. She was inspired to make it after recalling a Gourmet reader's recipe for lemon panna cotta.

After her time with Gourmet was over, Reichl spent more time cooking at home. This easy Vietnamese caramelized pork was going to make for a tasty lunch until some bears lumbered through her yard and swiped it off the table.

This dish, simply titled "painless pasta for three," combines mozzarella di bufala, garlic, basil, tomatoes and olive oil.