Holidays

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Holiday diet tactic #142: This stunning cookie tree. Because it sorta makes it harder to demolish a half batch of cookies when doing so would demolish the Christmas tree.

Three ingredients. One pot. And less than 15 minutes from stovetop to table—barely enough time to uncork a bottle of wine or crack open a beer. Somehow, we think you'll manage.

A long, slow spell in the oven coaxes this lusciously fatty, fat, fat pork roast into supple, aromatic, cider-infused, sigh-inducing submission.

Silken, garlicky mashed potatoes manifest in mere minutes thanks to a super simple technique that's perfect for when you're entertaining or just plain hungry.

A sublime yet simple approach to cooking this most impressive roast. Certain to win friends and influence people—not to mention make phenomenal sandwiches the day after.

Like a chorus line of Rockettes, tender slices of brisket lean on each other in perfect symmetry and perfect doneness. Here's how to replicate this performance at home.