When two of the best comfort foods on earth love each other very much, the result is this spicy, funky, cheesy, one-pot dinner. (Thank you to my husband for the inspired idea.) Mapo tofu–ifying the meaty base for Midwestern chili mac—as the name suggests, a cozy blend of chili and elbow macaroni—adds tons of savory … Read more
These banana chocolate chip muffins have range. Serve them at brunch, take them to a housewarming party, or make a batch to snack on throughout the week—no matter the time or place, they’re sure to please. Overripe bananas have the best texture and richest banana flavor, so wait until yours are brown and speckled. To … Read more
The best apple crumble recipe starts with choosing the right apples, so consider your fruit wisely. Baking apples “can range from sweet to tart to everything in between,” says cookbook author (and expert baker) Abby Dodge, who developed this recipe for Epicurious. Dodge recommends a combination of McIntosh and Golden Delicious. McIntosh apples are sweet, … Read more
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 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
Step 1 Sprinkle both sides of 2 lb. skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (4–6), patted dry, with 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt and 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper. Arrange chicken, skin side down, in a cold medium cast-iron or ovenproof stainless-steel skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, undisturbed, rotating pan … Read more