Lisa O., Recipe Tester

These beauties aren’t unlike classic sugar cookies in terms of ease and appeal. They’re just a little richer and a lot less expected.

Happy National Taco Day! Who needs those spice packets when you can make your own sassy, satisfying, and sophisticated tacos with a citrus zing?

A tarte Tatin is nothing more than a tart turned upside down, nothing less than pastry perfection. It’s a lot of caramely apple goodness atop a buttery crust.

These subtly spiced, lightly crisped sweet potato wedges will have everyone clamoring for more–and, we dare say, no one guessing they’re healthful.

A crisp-skinned bird that’s inflected with orange and coriander for a very unique flair. And it comes together in a single pot, making it a cinch to prep as well as clean up afterward.

With apologies to the politically correct, the froufrou, tea party-like semblance of this recipe is just a guise. Trust us. It’s an unfussy, hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of chili.

This Italian classic is imbued with citrus and cinnamon and is slightly more pudding-like than what most of us are accustomed to in a cheesecake. Though no complaints here. None whatsoever.

Nothing helps a vegetable go down without a struggle like a little sweetness. Come summer, we’re particularly fond of this old-fashioned—yet still fashionable—zucchini delivery system.

Enough indulgence to satisfy. Enough grilled vegetables to bring some semblance of healthfulness. Thank us later.

Cute as a button, and not much bigger, these buttery, bacony scones are the most diminutive and darned good biscuits we’ve had in recent memory. Maybe ever.