Beverages

You can swap the condensed milk for regular milk, but the simple syrup is essential for the finished texture.

This French-inspired decadent lobster features a buttery pink sauce and herbes à tortue (a combination of dried thyme, oregano, basil, and marjoram).

This smoothie transports you to the tropics with the mango and pineapple. I usually make it in my Chicago kitchen on a rainy day when I need some bright flavors.

Add sweet-tart flavor and a hint of spice to a slushy margarita with frozen raspberries and grated fresh ginger.

Peach lattice is a beautifully classic summer pie. A drizzling of rich, buttery bourbon caramel over each slice heightens the naturally lush sweetness of ripe peaches—ditto a scoop of ginger ice cream on the side.

Arguably, some of the best ‘cue in the country can be found in North Carolina, where two distinct types of slow-cooked pig prevail. The first is Eastern barbecue, which is distinguished by slow-cooking a whole hog and including both the white and dark meat in chopped sandwiches and platters. Eastern ‘cue boasts just a hint of vinegar and red pepper, which is added to the meat mix rather than used as a sauce. Western North Carolina ‘cue (aka Lexington-style) is made from pork shoulder only. In addition to incorporating plenty of vinegar, sugar, and spices, it also mixes in a good amount of ketchup to create an actual sauce for the pork. This slow-cooker recipe falls somewhere in between.

Start cooking them right before dinner, and these boozy peaches will be ready just in time for dessert.

Tender, tangy, and accented with just a hint of bourbon, these slow-cooker–cooked ribs are messy, saucy, and perfect for devouring over a long weekend.

Cognac, cream, curry powder, and clarified butter all combine to make an intoxicating sauce for this heritage recipe for pan-seared ham steaks.

This refreshing fizzy drink has the flavor of chocolate milk—but without the dairy. Add a shot of chilled espresso or Kahlúa to give it some extra oomph.

This spin on the home cooking favorite is a nod to a classic Southern combination: iced tea and cornbread. Here, the tea makes a sweet and shiny glaze and the delicate sweetness of fresh corn kernels balances out the buttery bread. Muffins are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, but you could also make it in a cast-iron skillet and serve family style. Beware, your overnight guests may never leave.

Fresh cantaloupe + coconut make for the perfect summer cocktail.