Mac and cheese goes high falutin’ with a drizzle of chichi truffle oil and a few shavings of black truffle. Pricey, perhaps. But well worth it every once in a special while.

• 25 M
• 1 H
• 17

This spicy tomato soup gets its heat from Thai Sriracha sauce and depth from blue cheese. San Marzano tomatoes are used, so the soup can be made anytime.

• 15 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 25

This bird borrows its Peruvian accent from its amazing technicolor dreamcoat of paprika, cumin, and garlic.

• 30 M
• 1 H, 45 M
• 26

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.

• 15 M
• 50 M
• 2

This old-fashioned gratin comforts you with everything indulgent could possibly crave in a gratin, namely ample amounts of potatoes, cream, butter, and cheese. A glass of gigondas is optional.

• 25 M
• 1 H, 45 M
• 11

Fancy schmancy mac and cheese canapés? Why not? Plop these lovelies on a silver platter alongside flutes of Champagne or tuck them into a lunch box.

• 25 M
• 40 M
• 20

Let’s get clear about what hummus is and what it ain’t. Real hummus tastes like nothing but hummus. Not fancy. Just perfect.

• 10 M
• 1 H
• 20

Even better than the ones at the Renaissance festival. And all it takes is a simple brine and a little patience.

• 30 M
• 1 D, 4 H
• 4

Pork wrapped in bacon and roasted until crisp outside and tender inside. Easy. Economical. On the table in 45 minutes. Any objections?

• 35 M
• 45 M
• 10

Pulled pork sandwiches. They’re as American as apple pie—and, if hash tags, can be trusted, far trendier. It’s not hard to understand why. Knee-wobblingly tender and ridiculously rich pulled pork collides with a cool, crisp, tangy coleslaw to terrific effect.

• Quick Glance
• 2 H
• 13 H, 25 M
• 0

These barbecued beef back ribs are tender and robustly meaty and sweetly spicy and they’re gonna make you the envy of the neighborhood.

• 40 M
• 4 H, 35 M
• 31

Relax with these crunchy-tender fish tacos filled with a kicky cabbage slaw and sweet-tart mango-banana salsa. Think flip-flops and a beer—all year long.

• 15 M
• 1 H
• 4

Got eggs, stale bread, and a skillet? Then you’ve got supper. Crisp and crunchy with soft and gooey. Thrifty, too.

• Quick Glance
• 10 M
• 10 M
• 2

On the spicier side. Not too sweet. With a nice tang. That’s what we think of these ribs. Seconds, please?

• Quick Glance
• 25 M
• 3 H, 25 M
• 8