The cauliflower is finely chopped so it resembles couscous and better absorbs flavors. It’s then tossed is a light basil-lemon sauce with a hint of maple syrup.

Brigadeiros, chewy fudge balls, are a beloved treat in Brazil. The candies are rolled in sprinkles for good measure. They make a lip-smacking gift.

An utterly decadent caramel fills this wonderfully rich tart. And the use of salted butter gives the dessert the right amount of salt to balance the sweet.

Coq au vin, aka chicken in wine, is a classic French dish. It’s so popular, every family has its own coq au vin recipe. This one by Julia Child is a winner.

These mini airy puffs are made with sharp Cheddar cheese and chives. For a little bit of spice and heat, dry mustard and cayenne pepper are mixed in.

These fried Brussels are served with walnuts, capers, and a sharp red wine vinaigrette. Deep-frying Brussels sprouts give them a unique flavor and texture.

Spaghetti carbonara is hot pasta tossed with eggs, cheese, bacon and pepper forming a creamy carbonara sauce and coats the spaghetti. Great recipe.

This spicy tomato soup gets its heat from Asian sriracha sauce and depth from blue cheese. San Marzano tomatoes are used, so the soup can be made anytime.

When the vinegar is added to the pan of chicken, magic occurs. The vinegar deglazes the brown bits and permeating the chicken with a sweet/sour flavor.

The secret to this intensely flavored mushroom risotto is not only are mushrooms part of the mix, but the risotto is cooked with mushroom-flavored broth.

This turkey meatloaf is made from ground turkey, chopped vegetables and is brushed with a tangy bbq sauce. Leftover turkey meatloaf makes great sandwiches.

This gratin is flavored with sharp Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses and smoky bits of bacon. Use other pasta besides elbow macaroni for a different look.

Trennette, a long, narrow, flat pasta noodle similar to pappardelle, is tossed in a simple sauce of spicy, garlicky oil. On top is a scattering of parsley.

Braised lamb shanks are cooked slowly in wine until the meat is falling-off-the-bone tender. The lamb shanks can be braised ahead for more flavor.

Meet scones made from a short pastry. Scrambled eggs, bacon, and Cheddar cheese are folded in for breakfast in every bite.

These cheesy, buttery crackers are filled with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, a bit of dry mustard, and a hint of cayenne pepper for heat.

Sassfras, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and anise found in root beer enhance the smoky, saltiness goodness of this glazed ham. It’s is an ideal holiday meal.

Soft, warm sweet buns are riddled with cinnamon and drizzled with luscious cream cheese-buttermilk glaze for extra enjoyment at breakfast.

This pound cake is rich with creamery butter, flecked with vanilla seeds, and sports crispy dark-brown sugary edges. A great Christmas or celebration cake.

The secret to these Christmas caramel-chocolate bars topped with cashews is a crust made from Saltines. They lend an irresistible crunch and saltiness.

Shrimp paste is a classic southern treat. Small shrimp is blended with butter, shallots, and spices. Smear the shrimp paste on biscuits or toast points.

This southern dish of chicken sauteed with bourbon has a unusual depth of flavor thanks to a wild mushroom sauce. Serve the chicken with rice or noodles.

Deep, dark chocolate cupcakes are swirled on top with a dollop of creamy butterscotch icing. Serve the cupcakes as an after-school treat or for dessert.

Lemon and cream cheese have long been companions in American baking, and this fun-to-assemble, sweet-tart filled coffee cake makes it easy to see why.

This macaroni and cheese dish is studded with bacon, and filled with sour cream and Cheddar cheese. This mac and cheese is what momma’s comfort food is all about.