Making Roux

A nutty-flavored thickener used in gumbo and several other New Orleans–style dishes.

Make Your Own Jerky

Homemade jerky takes little more than patience.

Bacon-Wrapped Squash Bites

It’s true: Bacon makes anything taste better.

Chocolate Cassis Cake with Raspberries

Whipped cream frosting makes decorating a cakewalk.

Smoked Paprika Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp

The combination of pork and paprika gives these shrimp bites a flavor reminiscent of chorizo.

Chocolate Ganache Tart

A classic bittersweet chocolate tart in a vanilla-bean shortbread crust, with cherry-vodka sauce.

Melon Dip Cocktail

Ouzo melds with cantaloupe for an unusual, understated flavor.

Oysters with Mignonette Granité

Transforming a sharp mignonette sauce into icy shards makes serving oysters simpler.

Salade Lyonnaisey

A variation on the traditional French frisée salad.

Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce

Spice-rubbed meat with sweet cherries in an easy, quick preparation.

Basic Pancakes

Just as easy as the boxed version but way tastier.

Mini Éclairs with Meyer Lemon Filling

Tiny pastries laced with tart lemon cream.

Peanut Sauce

Serve it as a dipping sauce, over cold noodles, or tossed in a salad.

Celery Root and Squash Gratin with Walnut-Thyme Streusel

Ring in fall with this seasonal gratin.

Cabbage and Carrot Herbed Slaw

No mayo, just tons of flavor.