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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

Lemon and Thyme Risotto

Apr 09, 2012 by

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

Smashed Potatoes

Apr 03, 2012 by

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

Spring Asparagus and Asiago Gratin

Mar 28, 2012 by

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

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Mar 27, 2012 by

“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

Dyed Easter Eggs

Mar 26, 2012 by

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

Frittata with Leeks and Herbs

Mar 26, 2012 by

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

Overnight Egg and Cheese Strata

Mar 26, 2012 by

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

Feather Light Rolls

Mar 26, 2012 by

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

Coca Cola Brisket

Mar 26, 2012 by

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

Ricotta Cheesecake from Rome’s Jewish Quarter

Mar 23, 2012 by

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

Sweet Potato Wedges

Mar 21, 2012 by

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

Creamy Onion Tart

Mar 20, 2012 by

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

Not-from-a-Box Macaroni and Cheese

Mar 19, 2012 by

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

Mai Tai and Blue Hawaiian Cocktails

Mar 19, 2012 by

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

Chicken-Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Mar 19, 2012 by

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

Black Coffee Ice Cream

Mar 16, 2012 by

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

Roast Pork in Milk

Mar 15, 2012 by

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

Ginger and Carrot Stir-Fry

Mar 13, 2012 by

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

Pan Boxty

Mar 13, 2012 by

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

Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Vanilla Stout Buttercream

Mar 12, 2012 by

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