Karla Cyr, Recipe Tester

Wanna outclass every other appetizer you know how to make? Try this little number. Deceptively simple. Infallibly impressive.

• 15 M
• 35 M
• 2

Stale bread? Itsoaks up a tangy vinaigrette in this interpretation of an Italian classic from the Barefoot Contessa herself. You’re welcome.

• 35 M
• 35 M
• 6

Traditionally sold on Good Friday, hot cross buns are little currant-filled rolls that are slightly sweet, mildly spicy, and richly tender with milk and eggs.

• 1 H
• 3 H, 30 M
• 1

“Absolutely the best thing I’ve put in my mouth in a long time!” That’s what folks are saying about this buttery, citrusy coffee cake.

• 1 H
• 3 H, 45 M
• 86

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
• 27

This cranberry orange pecan bread, with its perfect balance of tart and sweet, is so lovely it doesn’t even need a schmear of butter.

• 15 M
• 1 H, 30 M
• 49

This evocatively named dip isn’t the same as the one of yore. It’s got the same sumptuous taste, the same creamy texture, the same luminous color, just not the same calorie count.

• Quick Glance
• 15 M
• 15 M
• 7

As buttery and airy as brioche but with a far weightier responsibility than its breakfast chum, challah ensures a sweet new year in Jewish tradition. We’ll break bread to that.

• 30 M
• 3 H, 15 M
• 14

Given this cobbler’s delicately sweet filling and crumbly, flaky topping, our search for the perfect cobbler ends here—and, we dare say, so will yours.

• Quick Glance
• 40 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 3

Cinnamon is the solo act in this sophisticated but simple gelato. Creamy, indulgent, and complex tasting, this gelato is sure to become a new favorite.

• Quick Glance
• 40 M
• 7 H
• 3

Gingerbread pancakes, a perfect holiday treat, are filled with warm spices, including ginger. Gingerbread pancakes are a unique weekend breakfast.

• 45 M
• 3 H, 45 M
• 6

Gingerbread butter drops pack a wallop of spice and lemon. The butter drops are great for a dessert table, snack, or lunchbox. Gingerbread lovers exalt!

• 1 H
• 3 H
• 7

This french molten chocolate cake flows seductive when cut into with a fork. A cinch to make, this molten chocolate cake is an elegant, impressive dessert.

• 20 M
• 30 M
• 5

This strudel, filled with sweet potato, raisins, and cranberry, is a great lunch or side. Phyllo makes the strudel a cinch to make. Serve the strudel warm.

• 35 M
• 1 H, 25 M
• 6