Summer at its simplest, not to mention it’s most splendid, seeing as how five minutes of effort yields a meal that rivals round-trip tickets to Italy.

• (8)
• 20 M
• 50 M
• 35

Entertaining gets no simpler than this rich, creamy, indulgent, elegant cheese spread made from three ingredients. Tasting is believing. Go on.

• (17)
• 10 M
• 35 M
• 62

Everything you would imagine in a pound cake. Buttery. Indulgent. Moist. Rich. And with a perfectly balanced and ever so slightly puckery lemon glaze.

• (4)
• 25 M
• 1 H, 40 M
• 14

Step one: Make a childhood favorite. Step two: Cut it into squares. Step three: Dunk, drop, or plop into tomato soup. Step four: Sigh with content.

• Quick Glance
• 10 M
• 10 M
• 2

David and The One outline their Valentine’s Day menu and offer other suggestions for a perfectly romantic meal. (Arguments included.)

Here’s a soothing weeknight dinner fix with a ridiculously high taste-to-effort ratio that’s easily customizable. Sorta like the Mexican tortilla soup equivalent of Taco Tuesday. 

• (1)
• 30 M
• 50 M
• 6

Satiny smooth and ridiculously rich, this elegant spread is begging to be schmeared on rustic white bread and accompanied by a glass of riesling, whether as an impressive hors d’oeuvres or a simple winter supper.

• (2)
• 30 M
• 30 M
• 6

Greens, vinaigrette, walnuts and the namesake aged cheese are all you need for a fresh, simple, sophisticated salad.

• (1)
• 15 M
• 15 M
• 4

Portuguese tater tots. That’s how we think of this mashup of potatoes, chouriço, and onion that’s deep-fried until crisp and golden on the outside and impossibly airy yet rich on the inside.

• (3)
• 1 H, 15 M
• 1 H, 30 M
• 14

A savvy, sophisticated, eat-your-veggies strategy that works its stealthy charms on kids and adults alike. You’re welcome.

• (1)
• 10 M
• 25 M
• 16