Barb P.

Fried dough in any incarnation is something to get excited about. Though we're sorta partial to this particular cinnamon sugar-coated awesomeness.

A Chinese classic that you can make at home with fewer ingredients and less fuss than you'd ever imagine.

In the words of at least one person who’s made these light and fluffy griddle cakes, they're “hands-down the best pancakes I have ever made!”

This grown-up mac-and-cheese gets some gusto with its mild heat from chiles and its smattering of—are you sitting?!—crushed tortilla chips in place of bread crumbs.

Maple Sriracha bacon isn't just the title of this simple recipe, it's the ingredient list as well. Which means you probably already have everything you need on hand.

Sorta like shakshuka, aquacotta is an Italian soup from southern Tuscany that's essentially leftover bread, tomatoes, onions, and chiles with eggs and a little Parmesan. Living large.

Does it get any better (or more like you're vacationing south of the border) than grilled corn slathered with lime mayo, cheese, cilantro, and hot sauce? Nah.

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.

Why spend half your paycheck on pricey infused waters when you can make them at home? It's easy, inexpensive, and lovely.

Buttery pureed potatoes are spooned into a Mason jar, topped with an egg, and then the entire thing is covered and gently coddled. A creamier, more buttery, luscious-er breakfast cannot be had.

A comfort food phenom that's as cheesy and satisfying as macaroni and cheese...minus the macaroni.

A quick and simple weeknight recipe made with store-bought tortellini, spinach, and chicken broth. Super simple and perfect for the entire family.

This tender cake is the next best thing to a cup of eggnog, flaunting those familiar flavors of rum and nutmeg.

Succulent shrimp swimming in a smoked-paprika-and-garlic olive oil bath. Call it a spa for crustaceans.

An easy way to gussy up green beans and make them seem fancy without being fussy.

This chai spiced apple cider calls for nothing more than apple cider, your favorite chai tea, and a cinnamon stick. Quick liquid comfort.

Tomato and peach panzanella may sound unlikely but it'll knock your socks off. If you're not wearing socks this time of year, then it'll knock your flip-flops off. Guaranteed.

A little tangy and not too sweet, this North Carolina style barbecue sauce is juuuuuuuuuust right.

This brilliant sandwich works with any pulled pork you've got, leftover or freshly smoked. But trust us, you won't be able to make these fast enough to keep up with the demand.

Because nothing says love like cheesy pasta magnificence. This baked mac 'n cheese, with Colby, Cheddar, and crisp, buttery bread crumbs can be made ahead of time, too.