Laura Tarlo, Recipe Tester

A satiating, simple meal that is Italian food at its best–full of robust flavors and easy prep. Serve as a side or on its own with a slice of homemade bread.

“This was beyond the best carrot cake I have ever had.” That’s what we’re hearing about this cake, which ingeniously relies on puréed, rather than grated, carrots.

What makes this apple cake so incredibly moist that it stands out from the rest? Lots of things, including a lovely swirl of cream poured on top of the batter and baked right in.

Bet you already have everything you need for these brownies in your house. Which is a very good thing. (Also sorta a very dangerous thing.)

A nutty, oh-so-slightly-sweet, artisan-style loaf of homemade bread that’s a lovely Norwegian-inspired amalgam of whole-wheat, barley, oat, and rye. Amazing.

And you thought those perfect swirls of cinnamon raisin awesomeness were something you could only get in store-bought loaf. This recipe dispels that myth.

Iceberg lettuce gets a serious upgrade with this creamy vinaigrette, a handful of herbs and red wine vinegar. Not only iceberg lettuce, you’ll slather it on everything.

Maple Sriracha bacon isn’t just the title of this simple recipe, it’s the ingredient list as well. Which means you probably already have everything you need on hand.

Homemade bread that’s healthy but doesn’t taste it. Light, airy, and appealing even to kids, this is the recipe you’ve been seeking.

An updated Italian classic made with all the usual suspects along with an unexpected drizzle of pesto that turns a frugal veggie-bin catch-all into something truly astounding.