Joe Pascoa, Recipe Tester

Creamy, cheesy, and just like Grandma used to make. That’s what we’re talking about when it comes to these easy scalloped potatoes.

Mojitos outside of summer? Without hesitation. But only if they’re concocted with dark rum and sage, rosemary, and thyme to lend this classic cocktail a decidedly warming feel.

A Portuguese classic made with beef and peppers, caçoila de Pico is a slowly simmered affair that’s well worth the wait.

Fresh cod is poached in an herby milk-cream mixture and gently folded into mashed potatoes. It makes a perfect spread for garlic toasts.

Chocolatey, boozy goodness in a charming and irresistible and seemingly innocent presentation. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Add this simple skillet mac and cheese, with its brilliant and time-saving trick we suspect you’ve never heard of, to your dinner arsenal and you just might achieve superhero status with the kids. And with yourself.

Every bit as thick, creamy, and delicious as the real stuff. Maybe even better.