David Leite

Sweet. Spicy. Earthy. And a touch puckery. When did anything--or anyone--at your table boast such character? Certain to compensate for your duller dinner invitees.

This white cake has an understated elegance thanks to its tender crumb and lovely nuanced taste that everyone is calling unforgettable in the best possible way. Proof that basic doesn't mean boring.

Everyone who's made this easy and show-stopping pancake is lauding it as the airiest, most perfect puffed pancake they've encountered. Sorta makes you want to experience it, yeah?

David muses about what his life would be like had he not met The One all those years ago. (Hint: He's MUCH better off with The One.)

Sometimes carrots aren't quite as sweet as we'd like them to be. This kid-tested tactic takes care of that occasional oops on the part of Mother Nature.

These lip-tingling wings boast far less oil-spattering-all-over-the-kitchen fuss and fewer calories than the classic that you'd find at the neighborhood bar. Not that you'll be able to tell from the taste.

Is anything more soothing than standing before a burbling pot of Marcella Hazan's Bolognese sauce? (Hint: Our answer is absolutely not.)

These can't-stop-eating-them crackers boast actual aged Cheddar cheesiness. Stain-your-fingers faux Cheez-It-ness just can't compete.

Tired of settling for an ordinary blue cheese dip that practically necessitates a search party to locate a stray chunk of cheese swimming in mayo? This one won't disappoint.

Rye whiskey, vermouth, Grand Marnier, and bitters all work the devil's magic in this all-but-forgotten formula for a cocktail classic.

When you open the oven to these obscenely buttery, flaky croissants, you'll be relieved you didn't settle for what's in the grocery-store freezer case. Trust us.

After The One goes to a yoga retreat to cleanse body and mind, David tries cooking healthfully...with unexpected results.

Er, what's the deal between Gung Bao and Kung Pao chicken? One is a centuries old tradition. The other is an Americanized riff. Guess which one this is.

Airy and yet dough at the same time, these iconic, anytime-of-day New Orleans pastries come buried beneath mounds of sweet, sweet confectioners' sugar. All we have to say is, don't wear black.

No longer are you safe from temptation just because you summoned enough fortitude to skip the Nutella aisle at the store. Not safe at all.

Food is rarely just about the actual food. David Leite recounts one of his food obsessions and the fond memories attached to it.

Simple and, yes, a little sneaky, this kid-friendly, fuss-free, casserole-like mac and cheese melds Cheddar and carrot to healthful effect.

These shatteringly crisp, undeniably sophisticated potato ruffles—chips, if you will—have no ridges. Nor do they need them. They're intoxicatingly lovely just as they are.

There's a reason this effervescent mingling of stout and Champagne contains the word "velvet." It's sooooo smooth and subtly sophisticated. Sip for yourself.

These doughnuts are certain to conjure memories, real or imagined, of crisp autumns, roadside farmstands, and grease-stained paper bags full of similar piping hot beauties.