Oven Bake

Served warm or at room temperature, a frittata makes for an easy yet impressive dinner. If you are following our $68 Dinner Story, buy 1 bunch asparagus and use 3/4 bunch for the Fettuccine with Asparagus, Beet Green Pesto, and Poached Egg and the remaining 1/4 bunch here. This is the perfect opportunity to use up any leftover beet green pesto from the pasta dish as well.

This ingenious technique cooks the chicken in a purse with its own juices and a mix of spices. It slowly simmers the bird to a silky richness—an enticing side of chicken that we rarely see.

Creamy, sweet carrot purée takes the place of tomato sauce in this unexpected spring pizza.

Bake salmon fillets next to tender spring asparagus on one sheet pan for an easy fish dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Raisins have a long shelf life and are great for a boost of energy. I was walking on a cold boardwalk, quite a ways from home, when a pang of hunger attacked. I was wearing my ski jacket-an ideal jacket for the beach in the winter and also ideal for storage with its plentiful pockets for goggles, headphones, keys, money, credit cards, lip balm, sunblock, and Starburst. There are always a few raisins tucked away somewhere (long pocket life?), too; same in this recipe-hidden and sweetly surprising.

This works as a fancy little passed hors d'oeuvre toast or as a more substantial dinner toast. As an hors d'oeuvre, it'll pair especially well with rose but also any sparkling wine or crisp white. If you're eating it for dinner, saute some garlicky bok choy or watercress on the side, plus a little kimchi for bite. If you're tight on cash but still want to impress, this is a great one-you don't need to buy the most expensive crab; the miso makes up for it. That said, it's always best to buy the highest quality you can afford.

Bolognese is a hearty sauce that needs a toothy, wide noodle like fresh pappardelle, or a sturdy dried shape like rigatoni.—Mike Easton

Crispy-potato crust > pastry crust. (And it's gluten-free too.)

Creamy on the inside and crackly on the outside, this kugel is completely irresistible.

If you're making this entire menu in a single oven, put the souffléed gnocchi in the oven to bake after the fennel and carrots have been roasting for 10 minutes.

These aren't sticky-sweet brown sugar baked beans. Think of them like the top crust of a good cassoulet.

Authentic barbacoa is a daylong event involving a whole animal and an underground fire pit. This take is easier and totally delicious.

Double-baking means double the fun—and the indulgence. This hybrid of baked and mashed potatoes is comfort food par excellence.

This tarte tatin uses a colorful combination of Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Fresh rosemary and sage add extra autumnal flair. Who needs flowers when you’ve got this holiday centerpiece?

Treat this as a weekend project (quick it's not) and your Sunday supper will be off the charts.

This comforting pie of shredded chicken and softened leeks takes inspiration from cock-a-leekie, a traditional Scottish soup.