Sandy Owen, Recipe Tester

Here’s what to bake when you don’t know exactly what you’re craving but you know it needs to be indulgent. And indecently good.

Because nothing says love like cheesy pasta magnificence. This baked mac ‘n cheese, with Colby, Cheddar, and crisp, buttery bread crumbs can be made ahead of time, too.

Known in some parts as tar heel pie, this ridiculously rich chocolate brownie pie filling is impossibly fudgy, so much so it’s simply too gooey to consume out of hand

A simple dipping sauce, sandwich spread, and all around awesome something to slather, dunk, or otherwise devour with anything and everything.

How to explain these wine poached pears? “Divine elegance” comes to mind. Also, easy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, healthy, and lovely.

Sorta amazing what loveliness can be wrought from just a stick of cinnamon and some hot water. So simple. So soothing.

These taste like an indulgent mash-up of Mounds candy bars, peanut butter, and graham cracker crumb crust. And chances are you already have everything you need.

Who first thought to smother a hot dog with chili and strew it with cheese and cram it into one’s face? We’re talking hero status.

A Southern classic made from pan drippings and coffee, this little number is going to make you rethink your weekend breakfast making.

Chicken with 40 cloves of garlic is a classic for one reason—it’s damn good. Using chicken thighs ensures the meat remains juicy. Using our trick for quickly peeling garlic makes it hassle free.