Melissa Maedgen

Yup. We went there. To that homemade Cheez-It place. Go ahead. Admit it. You're awfully glad that we did.

With barely any effort, you can turn out terrific taco-ready barbacoa—that's uber tender shredded meat infused with a hint of heat.

A Mexican staple, this sauce of sorts is essentially fresh salsa that's named, curiously, for a rooster's beak.

A boozy, much-ballyhooed cocktail of absinthe, brandy, bitters, and sugar that you can mix a blissfully short stumble from your couch.

Created during Prohibition, this collision of Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon isn't for the faint of heart—nor for the slight of tolerance.

This ridiculously juicy, superlatively sweet stack will have you hankering for a Bambi burger long after deer season ends.

We know, we know. Blender drinks are for sissies--or so you may think. If that's the case, take a sip of this stiff riff on the gin and tonic. Then get back to us.

The secret ingredient to this spicy sauce? Nope. Not bourbon. We said secret. It's smoked ketchup. (Yup. You heard correctly.) Bacon, too.

The customary morning-after equivalent of a Bloody Mary in Mexico—except this is lighter, less tomato-y, and all around lovelier.

This irresistible scoop of the milkiest chocolate ice cream is like having a bar of fine Swiss chocolate on a spoon.

Whatever the occasion, whether game day or late-night craving, these unconventionally spiced wings will handle your hankering.

Bourbon. Curaçao. Sweet vermouth. Lime. We're sad we didn't concoct this comforting little ditty. But we're glad somebody did.

This recipe turns out obscenely aromatic, ridiculously moist spuds the likes of which you ain't ever seen before. And you thought potatoes were boring.

A lilt of lemon and hints of thyme dance throughout this simple risotto. The best they've ever tasted.

This heartachingly tender brisket draws on just four ingredients, including a can of Coca Cola. Tasting is, truly, understanding.

Er, what's the deal between Gung Bao and Kung Pao chicken? One is a centuries old tradition. The other is an Americanized riff. Guess which one this is.

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.

Shrimp and longnecks. There's little else a summer shindig requires, except perhaps these eminently easy dips.

Irresistible. That's what we think of this array of deviled eggs, which come in classic, smoked salmon, and lightly truffled. Better than mom's.

Rabbit confit is so delicious, so falling-off-the-bone tender, you'll wonder why you don't eat it more often. Made even better with loads of spices, it's rather elegant, too.