Alex Smith, Recipe Tester

A tender-crumbed, gently spiced cake full of ginger and pumpkin spice flavor. A lemon glaze soaks into the cake, giving it a sweet-tangy boost.

Nothing says Sunday brunch like a pile of buttery, gently spiced French toast, drizzled in a sweet strawberry syrup. Lovely.

Spatchcocked and served with a fresh salsa verde, this chicken is a flavor lifesaver. Juicy, crisp-skinned, and quick, you might never go back to regular chicken again.

“Where have you been all my life?” That’s a common refrain we’re hearing from those who’ve tasted these breakfast all-in-ones.

Crisp edges. Chewy center. Caramelized awesomeness that defies words. And a marginal healthfulness from oats that makes it entirely too easy to justify having another one.

When you’ve got leftover bread, sure, you could make bread crumbs. Or you could make this Southern melding of pie and pudding that’s obscenely indulgent. Tough decision, eh?

Not as dense or as sweet as a pound cake, this lovely tea cake is rich and buttery and subtly infused with layers of apple and cinnamon with a tart lemon drizzle as a finishing flourish.

A quick bread that pretty much captures the essence of autumn with a sigh-inducingly, knee-wobblingly inviting aroma and compelling blend of sweet spices. Idyllic? Heck yeah.

This cheater’s version of the real ricotta deal turns out satisfyingly creamy and rich and is certain to cure your craving. Made from just milk, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt.