Testers' Choice is our way of pointing up recipes that have been cooked, poked, and prodded to perfection by our crackerjack team of nearly 100 testers. These dishes deliver above and beyond expectation. Eat with confidence.
Lemon and Thyme Risotto
Apr 09, 2012 by Richard Bertinet
A lilt of lemon and hints of thyme dance throughout this simple risotto, which our testers tout as the best they’ve ever tasted. But don’t just take our word for it…
- Quick Glance
- 30 M
- 30 M
- 18
Smashed Potatoes
Apr 03, 2012 by Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan
Before you roll your eyes and mutter, “Do I need another mashed potato recipe?” you must try these simple, sinful, pleasingly chunky smashed spuds. (The answer, by the way, is yes.)
- Quick Glance
- 5 M
- 30 M
- 16
Spring Asparagus and Asiago Gratin
Mar 28, 2012 by Domenica Marchetti
Here’s an easy, elegant way to coax stalky asparagus to goodness, with cheese and bread crumbs concealing all manner of out-of-season vegetal sins.
- Quick Glance
- 10 M
- 30 M
- 16
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Mar 27, 2012 by The Lodge Company
“The best biscuits I’ve ever had.” That’s what many, many of our testers are saying about these very simple, very old-fashioned, very buttery biscuits.
- Quick Glance
- 15 M
- 35 M
- 19
Dyed Easter Eggs
Mar 26, 2012 by Renee Schettler Rossi
Little hands, ginormous expectations. Makes us want to ditch the fizzy little tablets loaded with artificial dyes for something more natural. Hello, kitchen scraps.
- Quick Glance
- 15 M
- 45 M
- 5
Frittata with Leeks and Herbs
Mar 26, 2012 by Rick Rodgers
A slinky little something to slip into, one that comes together easily and elegantly, impresses guests and family, works anytime of day, and sullies but a single skillet.
- Quick Glance
- 30 M
- 45 M
- 6
Overnight Egg and Cheese Strata
Mar 26, 2012 by Sarah Copeland
Given that its overnight rest insists you make this simple strata ahead of time, it sort of screams for a lazy Sunday morning, don’t you think?
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 1 H
- 7
Feather Light Rolls
Mar 26, 2012 by The Lodge Company
These exceptionally airy pull-apart rolls bake up crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and, yes, light as a feather through and through.
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 2 H
- 7
Coca Cola Brisket
Mar 26, 2012 by Sara Roahen | John T. Edge
A Southern classic, this heartachingly tender brisket draws on just four ingredients, including, um, a can of Coca Cola. Tasting is, truly, understanding. Trust us.
- Quick Glance
- 15 M
- 3 H, 25 M
- 11
Ricotta Cheesecake from Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Mar 23, 2012 by Melissa Hamilton
This is prettier and more puddinglike than we’re accustomed to in a cheesecake. But no complaints here. None whatsoever.
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 1 H
- 20
Sweet Potato Wedges
Mar 21, 2012 by Allison Fishman
These subtly spiced, lightly crisped sweet potato wedges will have everyone clamoring for more–and, we dare say, no one guessing they’re healthful.
- Quick Glance
- 10 M
- 35 M
- 26
Creamy Onion Tart
Mar 20, 2012 by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
This tart wooed and wowed us with its sophistication, simplicity, and sturdiness. And unlike that other round eggy thing in a crust, this certainly won’t call into question anyone’s manhood.
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 40 M
- 10
Not-from-a-Box Macaroni and Cheese
Mar 19, 2012 by Rick Rodgers
Incomparably better than what comes out of a box, this mac n cheese is so darn good, it may even be better than what Mom used to make. Velveeta optional.
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 1 H
- 7
Mai Tai and Blue Hawaiian Cocktails
Mar 19, 2012 by Rick Rodgers
Get out your go go boots, halter tops, and paper cocktail umbrellas. The ’60s are back. In a big way. And they’re groovier than ever.
- Quick Glance
- 5 M
- 5 M
- 3
Chicken-Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Mar 19, 2012 by Lisa Fain
Cookbook author Lisa Fain divulges a culinary legacy, one which she inherited from her father, who acquired it from his mother, who in turn learned it from her mother.
- Quick Glance
- 40 M
- 40 M
- 5
Black Coffee Ice Cream
Mar 16, 2012 by Jeni Britton Bauer
Know how every once in a while you taste something that’s so insanely satiating that a single spoonful pretty much satisfies? Nah, neither do we. Pass the ice cream, please.
- Quick Glance
- 25 M
- 35 M
- 12
Roast Pork in Milk
Mar 15, 2012 by Katie Caldesi
There’s a reason this stroke of Italian brilliance, which infuses a relatively cheap cut of pork with a subtle milky sweetness, is a classic. One taste and you’ll be thanking us.
- Quick Glance
- 35 M
- 2 H, 35 M
- 17
Ginger and Carrot Stir-Fry
Mar 13, 2012 by Jeffrey Alford | Naomi Duguid
There’s nothing wallflowerish about this stir-fry, not with its gingery zing of tongue-tingling, sinus-clearing, tummy-settling ginger. Nothing at all.
- Quick Glance
- 25 M
- 25 M
- 12
Pan Boxty
Mar 13, 2012 by Darina Allen
A precursor to hash browns, pan boxty is shamelessly simple and flagrantly frugal. Can’t say as we’ve improved any on this Irish classic.
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 1 H
- 6
Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Vanilla Stout Buttercream
Mar 12, 2012 by David Arrick
Cupcakes may not seem like the manliest of desserts…with the exception of this recipe, seeing as it mandates a beer run.
- Quick Glance
- 30 M
- 1 H, 15 M
- 9



















































