Cassoulet (rhymes with Chevrolet) is a a rich, slow-cooked white bean stew that we prepare from scratch with chicken confit, hardwood smoked bacon, fragrant herbs, wine and autumnal spices. There are few dishes that so articulately address one’s needs on a cold day.

Also aboard ship is our Creamy Butternut Squash Soup. Lightly scented with ginger and cardamom, a cup of this and a serving of cassoulet may induce a euphoric hibernetic state lasting up to three hours.