Jo Ann Brown, Recipe Tester

Seafood gumbo loaded with shrimp, such as this classic Cajun recipe, screams for a cold beer and a lazy weekend afternoon dedicated to nothing but cooking.

• (6)
• 1 H, 45 M
• 5 H, 15 M
• 58

Patties. Pasties. Turnovers. Whatever you insist on calling these savory hand pies is of little consequence. It’s the taste that talks to us. And oh, do they. With a Jamaican accent, no less.

• (2)
• 45 M
• 1 H, 30 M
• 12

A simple, silken rice porridge that’s certain to soothe and salve the soul—especially those souls afflicted with a sore throat or a queasy tummy.

• (1)
• 5 M
• 2 H
• 12

“Amazing.” “Wonderful.” “Warm satisfaction.” “Won the make-it-again award.” “Easy.” “Quick.” That’s what we’re hearing about this luxuriously satiating soup.

• (5)
• 30 M
• 1 H
• 20

Fennel turns meltingly tender and oh so sweet when slowly, slowly, slowly braised in cream, cheese, and butter. One more reason to be enamored with the holidays.

• (4)
• 10 M
• 1 H, 45 M
• 14

Not entirely unlike the marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole of your childhood, this “souffle” is ever so slightly more sophisticated with its pecan streusel.

• (2)
• 10 M
• 2 H
• 6

We could blather on and on and on about this surprising and stunning (and stealthy healthy) riff on a Southern classic that everyone is swearing is the best cornbread they’ve ever had. But you best experience it for yourself.

• (7)
• 15 M
• 50 M
• 53

Barely a recipe, this weeknight salvation is more like a simple blueprint for eating in season. Amen to that.

• (1)
• 25 M
• 45 M
• 10

“One of the best things I’ve EVER made.” “Beautiful.” “Comforting.” “Delicious.” “Easy.” That’s what folks are saying about this simple and satiating casserole.

• (4)
• 25 M
• 50 M
• 10

Not too sweet and not too dense, this honeyed pistachio pound cake is just right—and just large enough to share.

• (5)
• 20 M
• 2 H
• 61

Bathed in buttermilk and spiced ever so slightly, this Cajun-style fried hen is memorably moist inside, superlatively crisp outside, and gosh darn perfect through and through.

• (5)
• 35 M
• 35 M
• 23

Stop your scoffing. This may not be conventional chili, but it’s no sissy imposter. It’s just a little subtler, soupier, and smokier.

• (3)
• 35 M
• 1 H
• 8

Sure, made-from-scratch stock like grandma used to make is frugal beyond belief. But wait till you see what it does for your cooking.

• Quick Glance
• 10 M
• 6 H
• 2

“Gorgeous!” “Satisfying and deceptively easy.” “A keeper.” That’s what folks are saying about this Hungarian cauliflower soup.

• (2)
• 25 M
• 45 M
• 14