Name: Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Buttercream
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 3 hr (includes making buttercream but not cupcakes)
Yield: Makes 10 to 14 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup boiling-hot water; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; Rounded 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups packed dark brown sugar; 4 large eggs at room temperature for 30 minutes; 4 cups vanilla buttercream; Various food colorings*; Special equipment: a metal offset spatula; several small sealable plastic bags (not pleated); Garnish: vanilla mini cupcakes

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Wedding Cake Creme Cream and Icing

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla ButtercreamAnna Williams

Cooks' notes:

·Cake layers can be made 2 days ahead and kept, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, at room temperature or frozen 2 weeks. ·Cake can be assembled 4 hours ahead and kept at cool room temperature.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.