Make Ahead

Fresh and candied ginger team up to make an uplifting, zesty treat that can be prepared in any season. This quick yet impressive dessert lends itself to endless reincarnations, using various dried fruits and citrus zests, or even cocoa for chocolate lovers—see the recipes that follow for ideas!

I call this crowd-pleasing soup my magic recipe. It is so amazing that so few ingredients—and a soup made in a matter of minutes—can have so much depth of flavor. It really is a fine example of the miracles of infusion. The dried cèpe (porcini) mushroom powder packs a maximum of fragrance and flavor and takes well to many variations: Pair it with paper-thin slices of raw domestic mushrooms or seared domestic or wild mushrooms showered in the bowl at serving time; prepare with dried morel powder in place of cèpes; top with thin slices of raw black truffles; or add a dollop of mushroom-powder- infused whipped cream.

My love for Asian food is never-ending, and this easy, quick chicken meatball creation is a favorite. The secret here is to steam the meatballs so they remain tender and succulent. Searing briefly afterward adds a wonderfully caramelized crust without overcooking.

This dessert is a big hit at parties in the Hollywood Hills, especially in the cooler months. It’s probably one of my most deceptive desserts—everyone thinks it's complex to prepare, but it's one of the simplest desserts in my repertoire. When the bread pudding is firm to the touch, you know it's done.

Use any whole spices you like for this beets recipe; just make sure you sizzle them in oil first to bring out their flavor.

The fruit-to-sugar ratio in this marmalade recipe makes it not too sweet and you can really taste the grapefruit.

Mast, which translates to yogurt in Farsi, is a staple side dish on many Persian tables. The yogurt can be mixed with shallots, grated cooked beets, cooked spinach, or, most commonly, with Persian cucumbers, mint, and dried rose.

If the ingredient list didn’t tip you off, the seven-hour cooking time makes it official: This recipe is a project that you make for people you love. They’ll be thankful.

Maple syrup and warm, fall spices add a touch of sweetness to easy roasted veggies.

If you can find Meyer lemons, use them for this recipe. Their thinner skin has very little bitterness.

This creamy custard is popular in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Singapore, where it's slathered onto toasted fluffy white bread and served with poached eggs as a morning snack. Often called the vanilla of Southeast Asia, the long, narrow, vibrant green pandan leaves give the jam its signature aromatic flavor.

Not only is this immunity-boosting chicken soup just as comforting as your grandma’s, it's also gluten-free, thanks to spiralized zucchini “noodles.”

We tested countless cauliflower pizza crust recipes and came up with the absolute best one.

Thin, naturally grain-free chickpea flour pancakes take the place of tortillas in these warmly spiced lamb and eggplant “tacos.”

No more cellophane-wrapped singles for you: Make better American cheese at home with just 5 ingredients.

This recipe is inspired by one in Mollie Katzen’s book The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without. Heads up! This recipe calls for already cooked spaghetti squash.

Often called kosher-style dill pickles, these are quick to make. Use either small whole cucumbers or cut larger ones into quarters. For an additional interesting flavor, tuck a small dried hot red pepper into each jar.

A good soak in buttery tomato sauce gives this ultra-juicy burger—a popular late-night Turkish street eat—its name.

Of all the sauces I make, this is definitely in the top three for both flavor and utility. Not only does it make delicious Red Chicken Enchiladas, but it’s a perfect base for chili, and it adds a delightful piquancy to most Mexican or southwestern dishes.

This simplified version of the traditional savory rice porridge uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked with rice in a slow-cooker. Dress it with avocado, limes, peanuts, chile oil—and as many toppings as you like.