La Rhonda E., Recipe Tester

Portuguese smashed potatoes are a spectacular way to update that same-old side dish. Crisp outside, tender inside, and doused with salty garlic and oil.

Creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky. But not at all ooky–they’re delicious little mummy themed treats that come together in a snap. And kids can help, too.

Crisp-on-the-edge, gooey-in-the-middle, stuffed-full-of-chocolate, and gluten-free through and through, these cookies are perfection.

Trust us when we tell you this cake is about as unfussy as it gets. An hour from start to finish, no tricky ingredients and a taste reminiscent of an old-school boxed cake mix.

No matter when you wake up, sumptuously stuffed quesadillas will be your go-to. Add anything you like, extra cheese, jalapeños, pickled onions. Most important meal, indeed.

Bagels from scratch? It’s easier than you might think and a heck of a lot more rewarding than you’d ever imagine. The proof is in these chewy rye lovelies.

Nearly everybody, no matter their age, loves chicken tenders. Crisp, golden, and gently spiced, your whole family will devour them.

This classic manner of putting stale bread to good use seems like anything but penance in this rightfully indulgent take.

A relatively quick and unconventional brine that ensures a surprising amount of juiciness and a surprise sauce that brings ample flavor.

A homey potpie with a creamy, savory sauce that you’ll want to lick off the plate. And did we mention the succulent chicken and mushrooms?

This classic melds the warming potency of Cognac with a little sweet and some gingery heat. All perfectly balanced. For when you need more than just a sip or two.

Real-deal teriyaki sauce that’s not from a bottle, relies on just four ingredients, can easily be committed to memory, and takes just minutes to make. You’re welcome.