Name: Coconut Cake
Yield: Makes 10 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/3 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3 large eggs at room temperature; 1 cup whole milk at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake and Bread

"My husband and I have a favorite local restaurant, Paci," says Michelle Jaffee of Fairchild, Connecticut. "Its menu changes seasonally and is always exciting. However, it just may be Paci's phenomenal coconut cake that has made us regulars. The pastry chef tells us that the recipe is a closely guarded secret. If you could persuade the restaurant to part with the recipe, I'm sure my family — and your readers — would be most grateful."

At Paci, the chef serves this dessert with a chocolate espresso sauce. But we loved the buttery cake topped with fresh fruit — try nectarines or mangoes. It's perfect for summertime.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr (includes cooling)

Cooks' note:

• Cake keeps, well wrapped, at room temperature 2 days.

Recipe notes

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.

White Bean Turkey Chili

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

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

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

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

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.