Dutch ovens are a versatile tool in the kitchen. In addition to the usual roasts, soups and stews, they also can turn out fantastic baked goods, as in these rolls studded with cranberries and scented with orange zest.

Going Dutch is getting seriously stylish.

Pears, wine and sugar have a happy marriage inside a Dutch oven, creating a tender, sweet dessert. Topped with applesauce and whipped cream, these pears make an excellent autumn dessert.

Making baked beans from scratch isn’t fast, but it is easy. Though the dry beans do need to be soaked overnight, then baked for a couple hours, actual hands-on cooking time is just about 15 minutes. And the taste of the finished product is worth it.

I know I shouldn’t have done it. But I just couldn’t stop myself. When you see a giant wreck on the side of the road, it’s hard not to look.

You might want to make two, and reheat the second one tomorrow morning! Add a piece of fruit and a glass of milk and you have a meal. Best of all, you’ve met half the day’s calcium requirement already!

This is a delicious way to start the day — and it’s loaded with protein and fiber. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or berries. It’s easy to reheat leftovers the next day. Just add a splash of milk and microwave for a minute or two.

Although my regular job is helping adults achieve a healthy weight, I also work with teens. Sadly, the epidemic of teen obesity means I could find them anywhere — even here in Napa. Last fall I flew to the Midwest to consult with high school students for a teen obesity show called Student Body (now airing on The N Network).