Almond and Walnut Baklava

Fennel seed and lemon-honey syrup dress up this Middle Eastern sweet. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Mayan-Style Pit Pork (Cochinita Pibil)

In this oven take on Yucatán-style pit pork, the meat marinates in an orange and achiote mixture before being wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked. (By Adapted from Silvana Salcido Esparza)

Easy Berry Butter Cake

Possibly the easiest cake ever. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Cardamom-Spiced Carrot Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Kept extra-moist with a generous helping of grated carrot, and lightly spiced with cardamom and ginger. (By Kate Ramos)

Lemon Pound Cake

This golden, rich cake benefits from a generous amount of butter. (By François Payard)

Plum Buckle with Pecan Topping

Plums stand in for berries in a twist on this classic. (By Amy Wisniewski)

Bacon-Thyme Corn Muffin Tops

Why make a whole muffin when you can just have the tops? (By Kate Ramos)

Moist Yellow Cake with Bittersweet Chocolate Frosting

A box of yellow cake mix may be low-effort, but a homemade birthday cake will really show you care. (By Amy Wisniewski)

White Bean–Olive-Basil Spread

Good as either a dip or a spread. (By Regan Burns)

Death in the P.M.

A combination of absinthe and sparkling wine makes for a killer tail. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

The Eva

Mexico’s classic apple soda makes an excellent mixer in this simple brandy tail. (By Kate Ramos)

Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Coleslaw

An instant sensation around the CHOW office. (By Adapted from Scott Youkilis)

Chicken Pot Pie

A creamy, vegetable-packed filling topped with a flaky, golden crust. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Creamy Carrot Casserole

With browned breadcrumbs for crunch. (By Amy Wisniewski)

Chocolate Soufflé

A delicate puff of chocolate for two served with Blood Orange Crème Anglaise. (By Ray Lee)