If a brownie and a cheesecake had a baby, it’d be these cream-cheese-stuffed brownie cookies. A combination of melted chocolate and Dutch-process cocoa powder gives the cookie dough a deeply fudgy texture. Bite in to reveal a soft core of sweetened cream cheese filling. Err on the side of underbaking the cookies. They’ll continue to … Read more
Cocoa powder and Old Bay seasoning combine to create a spice mix that turns nearly black when cooked yet tastes complex and anything but burnt. If using Creole seasoning instead of Old Bay, look for a blend like Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s that contains salt. But if yours doesn’t, add ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or … Read more
Cocoa powder and sweet potatoes might sound like an unexpected combination, but this recipe proves they’re actually a match made in heaven. Instead of doubling down on sweetness, the cocoa powder acts as a foil, taming the candied character of the root vegetable. Immediately adding the sesame seeds and cocoa powder to sizzling hot brown … Read more
“I learned this recipe from my mother,” says Silver Iocovozzi, chef at Neng Jr.’s in Asheville, North Carolina. Large shell-on shrimp cook quickly (but gently thanks to the shell that prevents them from getting tough or rubbery) in a bath of Old Bay, butter, and a bit of celery for color and fresh crunch. “It’s … Read more
Every simple stir-fry needs a hero ingredient to make it shine. In this speedy recipe, it’s a crispy coconut and garlic topping you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Straining the oil from the toasted, crunchy mixture does double duty: It keeps the topping from going soggy as it cools, and it allows you to … Read more
These saucy shrimp borrow from the earthy, spicy flavors of a Mexican mole to create a one-pan recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. To mimic the complex flavor of a slow-cooked sauce, tomato paste gets caramelized with cocoa powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne, creating a smoky, savory base. Throwing the shrimp … Read more
Making a Dutch baby (a.k.a. German pancake) is a cook’s ultimate cheat code: It’s one of those breakfast recipes that look difficult to make when in reality it is quite simple. Just blend a few pantry staples (eggs, milk, flour, pinch of salt, etc.) into a smooth, thin batter, pour batter into a hot pan, … Read more
For dinner, senior commerce writer Emily Farris really only wants one thing: salad. Recently free from an 11-year marriage and the heavy meals it was filled with, Farris is rebuilding her life, starting with this cruciferous bowl of crunchy goodness, greens, and beans. This crunchy salad is built around a base of marinated canned beans … Read more
When fresh basil abounds and you can get a bouquet the size of your head from the farmers market (a.k.a. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year), this basil fried rice recipe should be in your weekly rotation. You can use any variety, including vibrantly hued Thai basil leaves with purple stems, fragrant green Italian … Read more
Lemon and tomatoes? They’re actually a match made in heaven—particularly when the lemons are of the salty, funky, a little bit floral preserved variety. Finely chopped, they add their savory notes to a simple tomato sauce that you can cook your chicken breasts in directly. The result is a foolproof, weeknight-friendly recipe you’ll make all … Read more