Gourmet
My Mother's Brisket
The only way this tender, oniony brisket could get any better? Pair it with ultra-oniony kugel and fresh spring vegetables.
Cream of Asparagus Soup
This classic French soup is simple and make-ahead friendly, and a perfect choice for entertaining when asparagus is in season.
Irish Brown Bread
Known as wheaten bread in some parts of Ireland, this version of soda bread incorporates whole-wheat flour for a heartier crumb. Buttermilk adds a pleasant tang.
Truffled Toast with Radicchio and Egg
Rich truffle butter and a heap of radicchio di Treviso put this "toast 'n' eggs" in a class of its own.
Pickled Shrimp
This pickled shrimp recipe is perfect for a special occasion—perhaps as one part of an hors d'oeuvres spread at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve. The tangy pickled shrimp can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, though they require a bit of additional unattended time.
Pear Crisps With Vanilla Brown Butter
Vanilla-infused brown butter adds nuttiness to tender pears beneath a crisp almond topping.
Crème Brûlée Tart
This smooth custard in a flaky shell with a crackling burnt-sugar top was one of the most popular desserts at Michael's in Santa Monica.
Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley Salad
Spiced grains, roasted peak-season vegetables, and a lemony garlic dressing make this a stand-out side dish that doubles as a satisfying lunch.
Spicy Peanut Sauce
An accompaniment to Herb Salad Spring Rolls.
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Watermelon, Arugula, and Pine Nut Salad
While the ingredients for this sweet, salty, and savory salad can all be prepped ahead, the greens should be tossed through just before serving so they stay bright and crisp.
Pound Cake With Blueberries and Lavender Syrup
We used dried lavender in this syrup because it gives the syrup a lovely pale hue. Fresh lavender won't lend the same color, but it does give the syrup a more powerful floral flavor.
Raspberry Crème Fraîche Tart with Lavender Honey
Here, lush summer raspberries are framed by a rich crust and a cool, creamy layer that underlines their tart juiciness. A drizzling of warm lavender honey draws out a luxurious floral sweetness—put out the extra honey in a crock so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
Artichokes Braised in Lemon and Olive Oil
Simmered and later sauced in a lemony olive oil spiced with fennel and coriander seeds, artichokes absorb a complex blend of gorgeous flavors. The tender, juicy hearts bronze in a hot skillet just before serving, adding depth to this delicate dish.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
A heaping platter of spaghetti and meatballs evokes a feeling of comfort—perfect for a family get-together. The stars of this dish are the meatballs, of course, and they don't disappoint—lots of garlic and Parmigiano-Reggiano give them a robust flavor that stands up to the hearty tomato sauce.
Turkish Meatballs with Pomegranate Yogurt Sauce
These warmly spiced lamb meatballs are so juicy, light, and flavorful—not to mention easy—they'll be rocking your party world this holiday season.
Roasted Winter Vegetable Baklava
Traditionally, baklava is a Middle Eastern dessert, but we fell head over heels for this savory rendition. Roasting coaxes out the earthy magic in hearty root vegetables and fennel, which are then tossed with fresh dill and baked in walnut-layered phyllo until it's golden brown.
Let's Cook Like It's 1993
Alternative headline: Let's Cook Like The Clintons Are In the White House Again!
Chocolate Pound Cake
This delicious cake is different from other good chocolate pound cakes. It uses chocolate instead of the more usual cocoa, and the cake is baked in a bain-marie, or water bath.
Sautéed Chicken Breasts With Country Ham and Sage Sauce
Lindeborg serves this chicken dish at her Washington, DC, inn with stewed tomatoes and sauteed greens (a mixture of Swiss chard, mustard greens, and spinach) as well as cheddar garlic grits.