A slightly upscale version of the “moo goo gai pan” you know as the safe Chinese takeout menu option.

We’re hearing a lot about how easy and insanely delicious this classic Mexican pork stew is. And how loved ones are clamoring to leftovers to work the next day. Sounds like a keeper to us.

Made with potatoes, broccoli, and vegetable stock, this is rich, velvety, and comforting as heck. And nary a drop of cream although you’d never guess that by tasting it. A light drizzle of tangy feta yogurt sauce makes it something sorta special.

Roasted Brussels sprouts? Been there. Kale chips? Done that. This raw winter salad comprised of two still-trendy superfoods is like experiencing them for the first time.

If you like your fries with plenty of salt and malt vinegar, or if you’re a fool for all things pickled, or if you’ve ever demolished a bag of your fave salt-and-vinegar chips in less time than it takes to inhale, you need these in your life.

Unexpected, easy, eye-catching, and impressive as heck. That’s what we think of this lovely autumnal juxtaposition of tastes and textures that’s gonna upend the way you think about salads.

Your favorite tea turned sideways, making it a creamy dessert with a crackling, shattering caramelized sugar topping.

A subtle tweak to an ordinary roast hen can make all the difference. Here a single Middle Eastern spice elevates an everyday roast hen to something special. Something very special.

The classic Italian dessert, made the old fashioned way with crisp pastry shells, sweetened ricotta, and chocolate chips.

Made for little hands and little mouths, these lovely little tarts are short pastry crusts that are baked and then dolloped with any kind of jam you’d like. Make sure the kids make these with you.

All the comfort of classic mac and cheese plus a little kick. Actually, a lot of kick. Although we’ve heard not complaints.

A modern riff on a Cantonese classic. This leaner version relies on pork tenderloin rather than more indulgent cuts but tastes every bit as authentic as the real deal and is redolent of five spice powder, garlic, and ginger.

Sweet, smoky, and spicy all at once thanks to charred tomatoes and onions and chipotle in adobo. The quintessential salsa for dunking, dipping, and dabbling.

Made with honey syrup, the aptly named Bee’s Knees cocktail has its origin in Prohibition, back when simplicity and sweet reigned supreme.

As sweet as candy yet with an undertone of savory, these maple bourbon braised short ribs are like dinner and dessert all at once.

Pear tarte tatin is an easy riff on classic apple tarte tatin with caramelized autumn fruit atop buttery pastry. Um, yum.

Pork dumplings with a filling that’s ethereally light and fluffy. You’ll never guess the secret ingredient.

Despite being vegan and dairy-free (it’s made with coconut milk), this black sesame ice cream is still exceptionally creamy and boasts a beguiling taste. You sorta gotta experience it for yourself.

Just slowly simmer some beef with ancho chiles and then pile the tender awesomeness atop crisped tortillas with black beans and pickled red onions and homemade hot sauce. Tasting is believing.

A sweetly tart, subtly flavored, gently intoxicating, remarkably refreshing summer sipper in a fetching shade of pink.