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.
Maria Peplowski, Recipe Tester
A list of all the recipes Maria Peplowski has tested.
Pound of Chocolate Cake
True to its name, this dense, brownie-like cake takes its allure from a full pound of chocolate. A hint of cocoa lends even more chocolatey complexity.
Challah
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.
Coconut Crème Brûlée Tart
This luscious, silken, subtly flavored coconut tart is topped with a delicate burnt-sugar crust borrowed from crème brûlée, that shatters when sliced.
Applesauce Bread
Comfort finds us in unexpected ways. Thank goodness for that. And thank goodness for this not-too-sweet, subtly apple-y, kid-friendly quick bread.
Farfalle with Fresh Salmon
So what if salmon isn’t from Italy? Cookbook author Giuliano Hazan is and he says to toss chunks of the rich fish with pasta, tomatoes, and cream. We’ll happily oblige.
Pasta Puttanesca
Just like the women for whom it’s named, this pasta puttanesca recipe is edgy, spicy, and more than a little sassy. Gets the job done in a hurry, too.
Savory Thyme and Lemon Shortbread
More savory than sweet, these shortbread go magnificently with booze of any sorts, from the most genteel of cocktails to your go-to wine from the corner store.
Caramel Popcorn
A baseball classic. Although our take on classic caramel corn is somewhat more delicate and buttery than the stale sort found at the ball park–and won’t last longer than an inning.
Lemon and Thyme Risotto
A lilt of lemon and hints of thyme dance throughout this simple risotto. The best they’ve ever tasted.