These chewy hermit bars are a revelation. They’re wonderfully spicy, plumped with raisins, and amazingly chewy–even fudge-like.
Jack V., Recipe Tester
A list of all the recipes Jack V. has tested.
Food has always been a central part of Jack’s life, back to the days of standing on a stool in the kitchen so he could keep an eye on his toaster waffles. When he wasn’t learning from his mother and his grandmothers, he was watching Food Network and reading back issues of Gourmet and Saveur. A classically trained cellist, Jack started working in kitchen stores during grad school for fun and loved getting to try out all the new cooking products and running cooking demonstrations. After six years and three different companies, and with virtually nothing left to use his associate discount on, he returned to Los Angeles for sunny weather and a change of pace.
He loves cooking for his friends, especially on Waffle Sunday. He’s teased mercilessly by his family for his cookbook and cookware collections and there are rumors of a potential intervention for his eighteen pieces of Staub cast-iron, which he vehemently argues is still not enough. He is very firmly Team Pie (sorry, not sorry, cake) and loves exploring hole-in-the-wall restaurants and markets across the LA region. He can be found on Instagram.
Frozen Gin Fizz
We know, we know. Blender drinks are for sissies–or so you may think. If that’s the case, take a sip of this stiff riff on the gin and tonic. Then get back to us.
Caramelized Onion and Tomato Jam
Not sure what to do with that mountain of sweet summer tomatoes? This sweet and savory tomato jam is the answer.
Spicy Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
If your family is anything like ours, then you’ll be fighting over the last spoonful of this rich, gooey chocolate pudding cake.
Grilled Scallop Kabobs
These easy grilled scallop kabobs get a flavor boost from a quick marinade and a smoky scallion-sumac dipping sauce.
Carrot Ribbon Salad
We’re declaring this easy, healthy salad of carrots, cilantro, and toasted cumin vinaigrette your summer go-to salad.
Cheryl Day’s S’mores Bars
Everything you know and love about the classic campfire treat, conveniently made into a bar.
Marinated Lentil Salad
Love lentils? Us, too. Even if you don’t, give this recipe a whirl. The combination of lentils with a spiced nut vinaigrette, fresh basil, and slabs of feta cheese may change your mind.
Ginger-Scallion Fish Fillets
The easy-peasy ginger scallion sauce that adorns these broiled fish fillets is our new go-to dinner condiment.
Tareko Aloo ~ Nepali-Style Fried Potatoes
A perfect little snack made from deep-fried potatoes with a lemony, spicy finish. Serve with drinks and other little plates for a superb cocktail hour.
Dried Fruit and Nut Cake
Chock-full of crunchy nuts and moist dried fruit, this cake is a taste sensation. May we suggest a choice of apricots, plums, pears, or peaches?
Popcorn with Nori, Citrus, and Rosemary
Pep up that same old popcorn routine with this combination of flavors that is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Say sayonara to soggy, over-salted snacks.
Creole Shrimp and Grits
Tanya Holland gives us Southern comfort food with Big Easy flair. That’s what we think of these perfectly spiced shrimp swimming in a slightly spicy sauce with ample cheesy grits to soak it all up.
Pomegranate Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese
This beet and goat cheese side dish brings bright flavors and colors to your table, easily. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and earthy, it’s all here.
Akuri Masala ~ Parsi-Style Scrambled Eggs
Creamy, deeply spiced scrambled eggs make a perfect breakfast or a soothing dinner after a hectic day. Tomatoes and cilantro add pops of color and texture.
Garlic, Chile, and Cumin Roast Chicken
Chicken pieces marinated in a smoky, chile-infused paste makes for a perfectly spiced, divinely delish dinner. And the leftovers are incredible, too.
Avocado Chutney
Avocado chutney, like guacamole with an Indian-style upgrade, is a terrific little snack or even breakfast. Just spicy enough for everybody to enjoy.
Spicy Cranberry Sauce
A sweet-tart little condiment to slather on everything on your holiday table. It gets a little bit of heat from ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and chile.
Sausage Pizza with Mozzarella and Chili Oil
With dough at the ready, you can have a cheesy, spicy pizza in under half an hour. A true weeknight or late-night pick me up.
Masala Smashed Potatoes
A sweet little side dish that combines crispy smashed potatoes with the intoxicating flavors of Indian spices. And that cilantro yogurt? Outstanding!