Name: Crumb Crust
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes enough for a 9- to 9 1/2-inch pie
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for greasing; 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs (10 graham crackers or 24 small gingersnaps; about 6 oz); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/8 teaspoon salt; a 9- to 9 1/2-inch pie plate (4-cup capacity)

Sweet crackers and cookies easily transform into delicious piecrusts. Be sure to use gingersnaps for the pumpkin ginger cheesecake pie and graham crackers for the chocolate s'more pie .

Cook's notes:

• To make cookie crumbs, break up crackers or cookies into small pieces, then pulse in a food processor until finely ground. • For pumpkin ginger cheesecake pie, use 4 (not 5) tablespoons melted butter plus additional for greasing.

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.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Béchamel Sauce

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

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.