Ilda Costa-Sarnicki

A traditional Portuguese cornbread that's unlike its American counterpart. There's nothing crumbly about it although there is a heck of a lot to love about it.

Elevate Caesar salad by roasting the lettuce. Yes, roasting the lettuce. It'll draw out flavors and textures you’d never expect. Impressively easy.

These sake steamed clams from a restaurant chef are easier to prepare than you’d think. Japanese restaurant-worthy food at home.

Flavor guru Nik Sharma wraps ground lamb in creamy mashed potatoes before lightly frying. Spicy, crunchy comfort food at it’s best.

Tacos-meet-pork belly. An explosion of sweet, spicy, salty flavors from pork that's slowly roasted and then fried. Chef Robyn Almodovar likes to call these tacos “a party in your mouth.” What she said.

The familiar pita bread but made with whole grain flour and sourdough starter. Still puffs. Still amazes. In looks as well as taste.

Molten, gooey, dense, chocolatey, and done in minutes with nary any evidence, er, we mean cleanup, this microwave mug cake is the solution to when you need dessert stat.

A French classic that’s been tweaked and streamlined for contemporary times so it comes together with just enough richness and ease. Completely doable, even for a novice home cook.

An easy toss-it-in-the-oven-and-forget-about-it sorta dish that’s still gonna make everyone ooh and aah at the dinner table for its tender, wine-imbued spectacularness.

Yes, you can make your own silken, creamy, intensely satiating cured pork at home. Without access to an estate in Italy. Here’s how.

A Portuguese classic, these diminutive shrimp turnovers boast a filling that's creamy and comforting yet made interesting with a little heat. All tidily packaged in fried dough.

“Sweet potatoes with firecracker flavor” is what we’re hearing about these lovely, albeit unexpected, sweet potatoes. And just 10 minutes of barely any effort. Who loves you?!

“Easy yet feels special.” “Perfect.” “KEEPER!” That’s what we keep hearing about this superlative steak supper for when you want hearty AND healthy.

Marcel Proust had his madeleine. David Leite has his Portuguese salt cod, potato, and egg casserole.

A classic and nutritious way to get your daily mix of greens—kale, anyone?—that's based on Greek tradition...complete with a little added oomph.

Looking to elevate canned salmon beyond recognition? Maybe banish all recollections (nightmares?!) of Lenten Fridays from childhood? Here’s your answer.

The pleasing smack of sourdough was seemingly made to be melded with the awesomely chewy denseness of bagels. And it's SO much easier than you'd expect!

One of the best red-sauced pizzas we've ever slung as well as one of the easiest. It just may ruin takeout pizza for you.

Hot, spicy chiles are the heart and heat of this piri-piri sauce, which is used on chicken, shrimp, pork—just about any dish in Portugal.

"HELLO PASTRAMI JAM! Where have you been all of my life?!" That's what someone shouted after experiencing this extra indulgent grilled cheese that boasts quite a few surprises.