Thoroughbred Pie

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs plus 1 yolk, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped

Instructions

• 1. Cover pie shell with plastic wrap and refrigerate 40 minutes, then freeze 20 minutes. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line chilled pie shell with two 12-inch squares parchment paper, letting parchment hang over edges of dough. Top with pie weights and bake until surface of dough no longer looks wet, 20 to 25 minutes.
• 2. Remove pie from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Carefully remove parchment and weights and sprinkle chocolate over bottom of hot crust. Let sit 5 minutes, then spread chocolate into even layer; set aside.
• 3. Melt butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until butter is nutty brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Off heat, slowly stir in bourbon (mixture will bubble strongly) and let cool 5 minutes.
• 4. Whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in large bowl until combined. Add eggs, yolk, and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Slowly whisk in warm butter mixture until incorporated. Stir in walnuts and pour filling into chocolate-lined crust. Bake until filling is puffed and center jiggles slightly when pie is gently shaken, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack 4 hours. Serve with Bourbon Whipped Cream. (Pie can be refrigerated, covered, for 2 days.)

Macadamia Eggnog Creams

Makes 5 dozen 3-inch star cookies

You can use cutters of various sizes and shapes for this cookie, but we prefer stars.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 cup eggnog plus 2 additional tablespoons
• 1 large egg
• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened but still cool
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rum
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup whole macadamia nuts, toasted and chopped

Instructions

• 1. Whisk flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt together in medium bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup eggnog and egg together in measuring cup. With electric mixer, beat butter and granulated and brown sugars together on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add flour mixture and eggnog mixture alternately, in two batches, beating after each addition until incorporated. Divide dough into quarters and wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• 2. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• 3. Using rolling pin, roll each dough quarter into 12-inch round about 1/8 inch thick. Cut with 3-inch star cutter and transfer to prepared baking sheets (scraps can be re-rolled once). Bake until lightly browned around edges, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating rack position and direction of baking sheets halfway through baking time. Cool cookies completely on baking sheets. Use remaining dough to make second batch of cookies.
• 4. When cookies have cooled, whisk remaining 2 tablespoons eggnog and rum together in medium bowl. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spoon glaze over cookies and sprinkle with nuts. Do not touch until glaze sets, about 30 minutes.

Fluffy Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls

Makes 15 large rolls

Don't get the milk mixture too hot or the dough won't rise.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for bowl and baking dish
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 5-5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon yeast (rapid rise or instant)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 large egg, plus1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, shut oven off. Grease large bowl with 1 tablespoon butter. Line 13 by 9-inch baking dish with foil, leaving overhang on all sides. Grease foil with 1 tablespoon butter.
• 2. Place milk, honey, shortening, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter in large measuring cup. Microwave on high power until milk is warm (110 degrees) and butter and shortening begin to melt, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir well.
• 3. Mix 4 1/2 cups flour, yeast, and salt in bowl of standing mixer fitted with dough hook. Turn mixer to low and slowly add milk mixture. After dough comes together, increase speed to medium, add 1 egg, and mix until dough is smooth, about 2 minutes. Add another 1/2 cup flour and knead until dough is shiny and smooth and comes away from sides of mixing bowl, 6 to 7 minutes (add up to 1/2 cup more flour if dough is too sticky). Turn dough onto unfloured surface and knead briefly to form smooth, cohesive ball. Transfer dough to buttered bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in turned-off oven until dough has doubled in size, 50 to 60 minutes.
• 4. Punch down dough on floured surface and divide into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into thick cylinder and cut each cylinder into 5 equal pieces. Working one piece at a time (keep remaining pieces covered with plastic wrap) and following photos, form dough pieces into smooth, taut rounds and arrange in prepared baking dish. Lightly press on dough rounds so they just touch each other. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and return to turned-off oven until dough rounds have doubled in size, 50 to 60 minutes.
• 5. Remove dish from oven and heat oven to 375 degrees. Unwrap baking dish and brush rolls with egg-water mixture. Bake until rolls are deep golden brown, 25 to 27 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Using handles of foil sling, remove rolls from baking dish and cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Remove foil from rolls, return to rack, and cool completely, about 2 hours longer. Keeping rolls together, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil; freeze for up to 1 month.
• 6. To serve: Remove plastic wrap and foil (reserve foil) from rolls, wrap in reserved foil, and defrost at room temperature for 2 hours. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake foil-wrapped rolls on baking sheet until heated through, about 30 minutes. Serve.
• Rolls without a Mixer
  In step 3, mix 4 1/2 cups flour, yeast, and salt in large bowl. Make well in flour, then add milk mixture and egg to well. Stir with wooden spoon until dough becomes shaggy and difficult to stir. Turn dough out onto floured work surface and knead, adding remaining 1/2 cup flour (or more as needed), until dough forms smooth, cohesive ball, about 10 minutes. Proceed as directed.

Molasses Spice Lemon Sandwich Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
•   Table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 large egg
• 15 tablespoons unsalted butter, 12 tablespoons melted and cooled, 3 tablespoons softened
• 3 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions

• 1. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and cloves together in medium bowl. In separate bowl, stir 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, molasses, egg, and melted butter together until combined. Add dry mixture to butter mixture in three batches, stirring after each addition. Cover bowl with plastic and refrigerate until dough is firm, about 1 hour.
• 2. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• 3. Place remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar in small bowl. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Roll balls in granulated sugar, then transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing balls 2 inches apart. Bake until tops are just beginning to crack, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating rack position and direction of baking sheets halfway through baking time. Cool cookies on baking sheets for 3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Use remaining dough to make second batch of cookies.
• 4. Whisk remaining 3 tablespoons softened butter, lemon juice, and pinch of salt together in medium bowl. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Turn half of cooled cookies over (bottom side up) and spread each with 1 teaspoon lemon filling. Sandwich with another cookie.

Sweet-and-Hot Cinnamon Applesauce

Red Hots—that's right, the candies—add both sweetness and heat to this applesauce.

Ingredients

• 3 cups prepared applesauce
• 8 Red Hot candies

Instructions

• Combine applesauce and Red Hots in medium saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring often, until candies have completely dissolved and applesauce has turned light pink, about 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Sloppy Joes

Be careful not to cook the meat beyond pink in step 1; if you let it brown at this point it will end up dry and crumbly. The meat will finish cooking once the liquid ingredients are added. Serve, piled high on a bun, with your favorite pickles.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
•   Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

• 1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and salt and stir until coated with oil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 10 minutes (if onion begins to burn after 5 minutes, reduce heat to low). Add garlic and chili powder and cook, uncovered, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beef and cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until just pink, about 3 minutes.
• 2. Add 1/4 teaspoon pepper, brown sugar, tomato puree, ketchup, water, and hot sauce. Simmer until Sloppy Joe sauce is slightly thicker than ketchup, 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings. Spoon meat mixture onto hamburger buns and serve.
• Make Ahead
• If you find yourself with leftover Sloppy Joes or just feel like making a double batch, the meat mixture freezes well for up to one month. To return the meat mixture to its original consistency, you may need to add a little water when it is reheated.

Wacky Cake

This moist cake gets even better when served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup natural cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup water
•   Confectioners' sugar

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• 2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together in pan. As shown in photo 1, make 1 large and 2 small craters in dry ingredients. Add oil to large crater and vinegar and vanilla separately to remaining small craters. Pour water into pan (photo 2 below), and mix until just a few streaks of flour remain (photo 3 below). Immediately put pan in oven.
• 3. Bake until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Cool in pan, then dust with confectioners’ sugar. (If tightly wrapped, cake will keep for 3 days at room temperature.)

Crispy Potato Pancakes

At the supermarket, you can find frozen shredded hash browns near the frozen french fries. Serve these crisp pancakes with sour cream and/or applesauce.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 cups frozen shredded hash-brown potatoes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 scallions, chopped fine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
•   Cooking spray

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Coat rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil.
• 2. Place hash browns and butter in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high power until butter is melted and hash browns are defrosted, about 5 minutes. Remove plastic wrap, stir well, and let cool.
• 3. Whisk egg, scallions, cornstarch, salt, and pepper together in medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Add to hash-brown mixture and stir until incorporated. Divide mixture into 10 equal-sized balls and set aside on large plate.
• 4. Place oiled baking sheet in oven and heat until oil is just beginning to smoke, about 6 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven and, working quickly, place potato balls on hot baking sheet. Spray each ball with cooking spray, then press each one into 1/2-inch-thick disk using metal spatula (spray back of spatula with cooking spray if potato balls start to stick). Bake until potato pancakes are golden brown on bottom, about 10 minutes. Flip pancakes over, press down using metal spatula, and bake until crisp and golden brown on second side, about 8 minutes more. Place pancakes on plate lined with paper towels and let drain briefly. Serve.

Oven Fried Fish

Haddock, cod, or even thicker cuts of catfish work well in this recipe. If you have homemade cornbread on hand, use it.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 ounces store-bought cornbread (one 3 1/2-inch square piece)
• 3 slices hearty white sandwich bread, quartered
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 thick skinless whitefish fillets, each 3/4 to 1 inch thick and 6 to 8 ounces
•   Lemon wedges

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Pour oil onto rimmed baking sheet and tilt to evenly distribute oil.
• 2. Pulse cornbread in food processor to coarse crumbs. Transfer crumbs to large bowl. Pulse bread to fine crumbs. Transfer 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs to bowl with cornbread; discard remaining bread crumbs. Toss crumbs with mustard, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle butter over crumbs and toss until coated.
• 3. Place flour in shallow baking dish and buttermilk in second shallow baking dish.
• 4. Place oiled baking sheet in hot oven and heat 10 minutes while preparing fish (don’t leave in oven for more than 10 minutes or oil will smoke). Pat fish dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Dip one fillet into flour, shake off excess, coat well with buttermilk, then dredge in crumb mixture, using hands to firmly pack crumbs onto all sides of fish. Transfer breaded fillet to large plate and repeat with remaining fillets.
• 5. Place breaded fish on preheated baking sheet and bake until coating is crisp and fish is cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Boston Cream Cupcakes

Bake the cupcakes in a greased and floured muffin tin rather than paper cupcake liners so the chocolate glaze can run down the sides of the cooled cakes.

Ingredients Pastry Cream

• 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
•   Pinch table salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch plus 1 additional teaspoon
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cupcakes

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting muffin tin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened but still cool, cut into 12 pieces
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Glaze

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• 1. For the pastry cream: Heat cream in medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt together in medium bowl. Add cornstarch and whisk until mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 15 seconds.
• 2. When cream reaches full simmer, slowly whisk it into yolk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and glossy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Off heat, whisk in butter and vanilla. Transfer pastry cream to small bowl, press plastic wrap directly on surface, and refrigerate until cold and set, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
• 3. For the cupcakes: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray, flour generously, and tap pan to remove excess flour.
• 4. With electric mixer on low speed, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in large bowl. Add butter, one piece at a time, and combine until mixture resembles coarse sand. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Add milk and vanilla, increase speed to medium, and mix until light and fluffy and no lumps remain, about 3 minutes.
• 5. Fill muffin cups three-quarters full (do not overfill). Bake until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool cupcakes in pan 5 minutes, then transfer them to rack to cool completely.
• 6. For the glaze: Cook cream, corn syrup, chocolate, and vanilla in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Set glaze aside to cool and thicken for 30 minutes.
• 7. Prepare and fill cupcakes as shown in photos 1 through 4. Refrigerate until just set, about 10 minutes. (Cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.)

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe easily doubles. Make sure to cool the baking sheets between batches.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened but still cool
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ounces milk chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place 1 cup oats in food processor or blender and process until well ground, about 30 seconds. Transfer to large bowl and stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• 2. With electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until well blended and lumps are gone, about 1 minute. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add egg and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Add melted chocolate and beat until incorporated, about 20 seconds. Add flour mixture and beat on low speed until just incorporated, about 15 seconds. Add remaining 3/4 cup oats, chocolate chips, and nuts and beat on low speed until evenly distributed, about 10 seconds.
• 3. Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into balls and space 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake, rotating and switching position of pans halfway through baking time, until cookies are cracked and set on top but look moist within cracks, 14 to 18 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. (Cookies can be stored in airtight container for up to 5 days.)

Chocolate Blackout Cake

Be sure to give the pudding and the cake enough time to cool or you'll end up with runny pudding and gummy cake.

Ingredients Pudding

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), plus extra for greasing pans
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting pans
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• 1. For the pudding: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, half-and-half, and milk in large saucepan. Set pan over medium heat. Add chocolate and whisk constantly until chocolate melts and mixture begins to bubble, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in vanilla and transfer pudding to large bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
• 2. For the cake layers: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in bowl.
• 3. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cocoa and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Off heat, whisk in coffee, buttermilk, and sugars until dissolved. Whisk in eggs and vanilla, then slowly whisk in flour mixture.
• 4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool layers in pans 15 minutes, then invert onto wire rack. Cool to room temperature, at least 1 hour.
• 5. To assemble the cake: Cut each cake in half horizontally. Crumble one cake layer into medium crumbs and set aside. Place one cake layer on serving platter or cardboard round. Spread 1 cup pudding over cake layer and top with another layer. Repeat with 1 cup pudding and last cake layer. Spread remaining pudding evenly over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle cake crumbs evenly over top and sides of cake, pressing lightly to adhere crumbs. Serve. (Cake can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

Short-Order Home Fries

Serves 4

Although we prefer the sweetness of Yukon Gold potatoes, other medium-starch or waxy potatoes, such as all-purpose or red-skinned potatoes, can be substituted. If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (4 medium), scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
•   Ground black pepper

Instructions

• 1. Arrange potatoes in large microwave-safe bowl, top with 1 tablespoon butter, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until edges of potatoes begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes, shaking bowl (without removing plastic) to redistribute potatoes halfway through cooking.
• 2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer to small bowl.
• 3. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in now-empty skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and pack down with spatula. Cook, without moving, until underside of potatoes is brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn potatoes, pack down again, and continue to cook until well browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring potatoes every few minutes, until crusty, 9 to 12 minutes. Stir in onion, garlic salt, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve.

Ultimate Cinnamon Buns

Makes 8 Buns

In step 2, if after mixing for 10 minutes the dough is still wet and sticky, add up to ¼ cup flour (a tablespoon at a time) until the dough releases from the bowl. For smaller cinnamon buns, cut the dough into 12 pieces in step 3.

Ingredients Dough

• 3/4 cup whole milk, heated to 110 degrees
• 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces and softened

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions

• 1. For the dough: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, shut off. Line 13- by 9-inch baking pan with foil, allowing excess foil to hang over pan edges. Grease foil and medium bowl.
• 2. Whisk milk and yeast in liquid measuring cup until yeast dissolves, then whisk in eggs. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with dough hook, mix flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt until combined. With mixer on low, add warm milk mixture in steady stream and mix until dough comes together, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and add butter, one piece at a time, until incorporated. Continue to mix until dough is smooth and comes away from sides of bowl, about 10 minutes. Turn dough out onto clean surface and knead to form a smooth, round ball. Transfer dough to prepared bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in warm oven. Let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
• 3. For the filling: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in small bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Following photos 1 and 2 in the related step-by-step, roll dough into 18-inch square, spread with butter, and sprinkle evenly with filling. Starting with the edge nearest you, roll dough into tight cylinder, pinch lightly to seal seam, and, following photo 3, cut into 8 pieces. Transfer pieces, cut-side up, to prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• 4. For the glaze and to bake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar in medium bowl until smooth. Discard plastic wrap and bake buns until deep golden brown and filling is melted, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and top buns with ½ cup glaze; cool 30 minutes. Using foil overhang, lift buns from pan and top with remaining glaze. Serve.
• Make Ahead: After transferring pieces to prepared pan in step 3, buns can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for 24 hours. When ready to bake, let sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Remove plastic wrap and continue with step 4 as directed.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Do not overbake this cake or the pudding sauce will burn in the pan and the cake will be dry, not fudgy. Store leftovers, covered with plastic, in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in a microwave on high power until hot (about 1 minute).

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup boiling water
•   Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8-inch square glass or metal cake pan with cooking spray. Whisk 1/2 cup sugar with 1/4 cup cocoa in small bowl.
• 2. Whisk flour, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, remaining 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder, and salt in large bowl. Whisk milk, butter, egg yolk, and vanilla in medium bowl until smooth. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips (batter will be stiff).
• 3. Using rubber spatula, scrape batter into prepared pan and spread into corners. Sprinkle reserved cocoa mixture evenly over top. Gently pour boiling water over cocoa. Do not stir.
• 4. Bake until top of cake looks cracked, sauce is bubbling, and toothpick inserted into cakey area comes out with moist crumbs attached (see photos), about 25 minutes. Cool on rack for at least 10 minutes. To serve, scoop warm cake into individual serving bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Baby Cakes:
  Put a fancy spin on this homey recipe by baking up individual pudding cakes. Spray eight 6-ounce ovenproof ramekins or coffee cups with cooking spray. Fill each with 2 tablespoons batter. Top each with 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons boiling water. Arrange cups on rimmed baking sheet and bake until tops are just cracked, 20 to 25 minutes.

Crunchy Potato Wedges

Serves 6

If you don't have buttermilk, substitute 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let the mixture sit 15 minutes before using.

Ingredients

• 3 large russet potatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds), scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch wedges
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or peanut oil, plus 3 quarts for frying
• 4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

• 1. Combine salt, pepper, onion and garlic powders, cayenne, and oregano in small bowl.
• 2. Toss potato wedges with 4 teaspoons spice mixture and 1_4 cup oil in large microwave-safe bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, 7 to 9 minutes, shaking bowl (without removing plastic) to redistribute potatoes halfway through cooking. Slowly remove plastic wrap from bowl (be careful of steam) and drain potatoes. Arrange potatoes on rimmed baking sheet and cool until potatoes firm up, about 10 minutes. (Potatoes can be held at room temperature for up to 2 hours.)
• 3. Heat remaining 3 quarts oil in large Dutch oven over high heat to 340 degrees. Meanwhile, combine flour and cornstarch in medium bowl and whisk buttermilk and baking soda in large bowl. Working in 2 batches, dredge potato wedges in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip back into bowl, then coat again in flour mixture. Shake off excess and place on wire rack. (Potatoes can be coated up to 30 minutes in advance.)
• 4. When oil is ready, add half the coated wedges and fry until deep golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer wedges to large bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon spice mixture. Drain wedges on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Return oil to 340 degrees and repeat with second batch of wedges. Serve with extra seasoning on side.
• Make Ahead: Our Crunchy Potato Wedges freeze very well. Follow steps 1 through 4, frying each batch of wedges until they are light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not toss with seasoning, and drain and cool potatoes completely on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Freeze wedges on baking sheet until completely frozen, about 2 hours, then transfer potatoes to zipper-lock storage bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, heat 3 quarts oil to 340 degrees and cook in 2 batches until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Toss with seasonings, drain, and serve.

Lemon Pudding Cake

This dessert is best served warm or at room temperature the same day it is made. Scoop it out and serve in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons grated zest and 1/2 cup juice from 4 lemons
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature
• 2 quarts boiling water

Instructions

• 1. MIX BATTER Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 8-inch square baking dish. Whisk flour and cornstarch in bowl. With electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat 1/2 cup sugar, butter, and lemon zest until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in yolks, one at a time, until incorporated. Reduce speed to medium-low. Add flour mixture and mix until incorporated. Slowly add milk and lemon juice, mixing until just combined.
• 2. BEAT EGG WHITES Using clean bowl and whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. With mixer running, slowly add remaining sugar until whites are firm and glossy, about 1 minute. Whisk one-third of whites into batter, then gently fold in remaining whites, one scoop at a time, until well combined.
• 3. BAKE Place kitchen towel in bottom of roasting pan and arrange prepared baking dish on towel. Spoon batter into prepared dish. Carefully place pan on oven rack and pour boiling water into pan until water comes halfway up the sides of baking dish. Bake until surface is golden brown and edges are set (center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken), about 60 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool at least 1 hour. Serve.

Monkey Bread

Serves 6 to 8

The dough should be sticky, but if you find that it's too wet and not coming together in the mixer, add 2 tablespoons more flour and mix until the dough forms a cohesive mass. Make sure to use light brown sugar in the sugar mix; dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor that can be overwhelming. After baking, don't let the bread cool in the pan for more than 5 minutes or it will stick to the pan and come out in pieces. Monkey Bread is at its best when served warm.

Ingredients For the Dough

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus 2 tablespoons melted
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110 degrees)
• 1/3 cup warm water (about 110 degrees)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package rapid-rise yeast or instant yeast
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for work surface
• 2 teaspoons table salt

For the Brown Sugar Coating

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

• For the Dough:
• 1. Adjust oven rack to medium-low position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, turn it off. Butter Bundt pan with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Set aside.
• 2. In large measuring cup, mix together milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Mix flour and salt in standing mixer fitted with dough hook, (see below for making Monkey Bread without a mixer). Turn machine to low and slowly add milk mixture. After dough comes together, increase speed to medium and mix until dough is shiny and smooth, 6 to 7 minutes. Turn dough onto lightly floured counter and knead briefly to form smooth, round ball. Coat large bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Place dough in bowl and coat surface of dough with cooking spray. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in warm oven until dough doubles in size, 50 to 60 minutes.
• For the Sugar Coating:
• 3. While dough is rising, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in bowl. Place melted butter in second bowl. Set aside.
• To Form the Bread:
• 4. Gently remove dough from bowl, and pat into rough 8-inch square. Using bench scraper or knife, cut dough into 64 pieces. (See photos 1 and 2 on page 9.)
• 5. Following photo 3 on page 9, roll each dough piece into a ball. Working one at a time, dip balls in melted butter, allowing excess butter to drip back into bowl. Roll in brown sugar mixture, then, following photo 4 on page 9, layer balls in Bundt pan, staggering seams where dough balls meet as you build layers.
• 6. Cover Bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and place in turned-off oven until dough balls are puffy and have risen 1 to 2 inches from top of pan, 50 to 70 minutes.
• 7. Remove pan from oven and heat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap pan and bake until top is deep brown and caramel begins to bubble around edges, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out on platter and allow to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
• For the glaze:
• 8. While bread cools, whisk confectioners' sugar and milk in small bowl until lumps are gone. Using whisk, drizzle glaze over warm monkey bread, letting it run over top and sides of bread. Serve warm.
• Monkey Bread Without a Mixer:
  In step 2, mix flour and salt in large bowl. Make well in flour, then add milk mixture to well. Using wooden spoon, stir until dough becomes shaggy and is difficult to stir. Turn out onto lightly floured work surface and begin to knead, incorporating shaggy scraps back into dough. Knead until dough is smooth and satiny, about 10 minutes. Shape into taut ball and proceed as directed.

Lemon Icebox Cheesecake

Serves 12 to 16

Let the dissolved gelatin mixture cool down for a few minutes, or the gelatin will seize when combined with the filling. We tested our cheesecake with several store brands of lemon sandwich cookies; all worked well.

Ingredients CRUST

• 10 lemon sandwich cookies, broken into pieces (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

CURD

• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup sugar
•   Pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

FILLING

• 1 envelope (2 3/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 cup lemon juice from 2 lemons
• 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces and softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
•   Pinch salt
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, room temperature

Instructions

• 1. MAKE CRUST Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Process cookies in food processor until finely ground. Add butter and zest and pulse until combined. Press mixture into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake until lightly browned and set, about 10 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack, at least 30 minutes.
• 2. MAKE CURD While crust is cooling, whisk egg, egg yolk, sugar, and salt together in small saucepan. Add lemon juice and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and puddinglike, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cream. Press through fine-mesh strainer into small bowl and refrigerate until needed.
• 3. SOFTEN GELATIN Combine lemon juice and gelatin in small bowl and let stand until gelatin softens, about 5 minutes. Microwave until mixture is bubbling around edges and gelatin dissolves, about 30 seconds. Set aside.
• 4. MAKE FILLING With electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides of bowl, about 2 minutes. Slowly add cream and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add gelatin mixture and ¼ cup curd, increase speed to medium-high, and beat until smooth and airy, about 3 minutes.
• 5. CHILL CHEESECAKE Pour filling into cooled crust and smooth top. Following photos, pour thin lines of remaining curd on top of cake and lightly drag paring knife or skewer through lines to create marbled appearance. Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours. Remove sides of pan. Serve. (Cheesecake can be covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 3 days.)

Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes

Serves 8 to 10

Let the finished dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes before you serve it; otherwise it will be soupy. Barilla is our favorite brand of elbow macaroni.

Ingredients

•   Salt and pepper
• 1 pound elbow macaroni (see note)
• 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

• 1. COOK MACARONI Adjust oven to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large Dutch oven over high heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour diced tomatoes with their juices over pasta and stir to coat. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• 2. MAKE SAUCE Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Stir in flour and cayenne and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and broth until smooth. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Off heat, whisk in cheeses, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until cheeses melt. Pour sauce over macaroni and stir to combine.
• 3. BAKE MACARONI AND CHEESE Scrape mixture into 13 by 9-inch baking dish set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until top begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
• MAKE AHEAD: Macaroni and cheese can be made in advance through step 2. Scrape mixture into 13 by 9-inch baking dish, cool, lay plastic wrap directly on surface of pasta, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.