Calvin Eng’s FFLT (Fried Fish, Lettuce, Tomato) Sandwich is a fried fish sandwich turned all the way up. Pillowy milk bread buns, ginger-scallion tartar with Kewpie mayo and pickled mustard greens, and a shatteringly crisp beer-battered fillet make this a bold, homemade upgrade to the drive-thru classic.
This Weeknight Pozole-Style Green Chili blends the bright, herbaceous flavors of pozole verde with the hearty texture of white bean chili. Roasted tomatillos, hominy, and tender shredded chicken simmer into a thick, cozy stew, finished with lime and piled high with crunchy, creamy toppings.
Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese is the ultimate make-ahead comfort food. Slightly undercooked pasta soaks overnight in cream, nutmeg, and plenty of Cabot Vermont Cheddar, then bakes into a bubbling, golden masterpiece topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It’s rich, gooey, and exactly what a cold winter night calls for.
Marjorie Standish’s New England Boiled Dinner from Cooking Down East showcases Maine’s preference for gray corned beef, gently simmered until tender with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Simple ingredients and time create a savory broth, silky vegetables, and sliceable beef – a true Maine winter classic.
These Gooey Malted Cookie Dough Chocolate Chunk Bars deliver crisp, chewy edges and a soft, almost cookie-dough center. Studded with milk and dark chocolate, it’s the malted milk powder that makes them unforgettable. Chill to slice cleanly or serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert.
On a frigid winter day, nothing beats Via Carota’s Four-Hour Meat Sauce. Built on a generous soffritto, ground beef, white wine, and crushed tomatoes, this slow-simmered sugo transforms simple ingredients into a rich, layered Italian classic. Toss with pappardelle and Parmesan for the ultimate cozy pasta night.
This Spicy Coconut Broth Ramen with Pork and Marinated Eggs was inspired by Deb Perlman’s braised ginger meatballs with coconut broth – which quickly became a favorite in our house. The broth combines chicken stock, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lime zest, turmeric, and Fresno peppers. Served with soy-marinated eggs, it’s a spicy dish for those who enjoy heat.
Ten years after overcooking my first tuna steak, I revisit Ina Garten’s Seared Tuna with Mango Chutney and share exactly how to get it right. A thick-cut steak, a hard sear, and a ruby-red center make all the difference, balanced by sweet-spicy mango jalapeño chutney and fresh mint.