John Velek, Recipe Tester

This spicy tomato soup gets its heat from Thai Sriracha sauce and depth from blue cheese. San Marzano tomatoes are used, so the soup can be made anytime.

• 15 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 25

A winter classic made with navy beans, a ham hock, and a handful of pantry ingredients that somehow meld together into a sum that’s far, far superlative to its parts.

• Quick Glance
• 20 M
• 6 H
• 6

This supple, falling-apart tender pork roast may require a lot of time in the oven, but barely any time at all from the cook.

• 25 M
• 4 H, 55 M
• 16

For Thai Basil pork, ground pork is cooked with garlic, shallots, Thai chiles, and sweet basil. Serve white rice alongside mounds of Thai basil pork.

• Quick Glance
• 15 M
• 15 M
• 2

Salmon mousse pinwheels are an elegant way to kick off a tea, cocktail party, or dinner. The pinwheels can be made ahead and sliced just before serving.

• 20 M
• 20 M
• 2

For caramelized onion and balsamic vinegar bruschetta, the onion is cooked until brown then drizzled with balsamic vinegar and piled on the bruschetta.

• Quick Glance
• 15 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 2

This Southwest chile cheese fondue is brimming with chile ingredients, cheese, and spices. This is a fondue with brio. Dip chorizo for a flavor blast.

• Quick Glance
• 45 M
• 45 M
• 6

Cold outside? Try slowly braising boneless beef chuck and pancetta in a heady mix of Barolo wine, garlic, tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.

• 1 H, 40 M
• 5 H, 10 M
• 4

Shredded curried chicken is spooned into radicchio cups for a sweet-hot bite of chicken deliciousness. Serves these chicken cups as a party nibble.

• 35 M
• 35 M
• 4