Name: Mary's Bell Cookies
Cook time: 1 1/2 hr
Total time: 1 3/4 hr
Yield: Makes about 5 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened; 15 to 18 maraschino cherries (from a 10-oz jar), including 3 tablespoons juice; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans (5 oz); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon instant-coffee granules or instant-espresso powder; 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable shortening (preferably trans-fat free), at room temperature; 1/4 cup dark corn syrup; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter; a small offset spatula

Food Editor: Ian Knauer
Father: Robert M. Knauer, Allentown, PA
As a mother of seven, my grandmother was always in the kitchen and often made these bell-shaped cookies. Now, when I make them for my father from her handwritten recipe, he says the taste takes him back to his childhood.

Cooks' note:

Cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature 3 days.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

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