If I ever cheat on my mom’s meatloaf, it’s with Ina Garten’s legendary 1770 House Meatloaf. A rich blend of beef, veal, and pork meets fresh herbs and the most luxurious garlic sauce imaginable. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and undeniably elegant—classic comfort food with Barefoot Contessa energy.
This Thanksgiving, I finally traded my go-to dry brine for Samin Nosrat’s buttermilk-brined turkey. With crisp, deeply golden skin and incredibly juicy meat, this three-ingredient method delivers a foolproof, flavor-packed bird that’s perfect for Friendsgiving or your holiday table.
A rich ragu of crushed meatballs, white wine, and soffritto meets a silky Parmesan-laced béchamel. Baked until bubbling and golden, it’s a comforting, make-ahead classic that proves béchamel truly beats ricotta every single time.
Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Fish proves that simple can be spectacular. Red snapper fillets are coated in a tangy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce with shallots and capers, then baked for just 15 minutes until tender and flaky. It’s an elegant, foolproof recipe that feels restaurant-worthy yet perfect for a weeknight.
These Mushroom Arayes are a meatless twist on the traditional spiced-meat pita. The filling combines caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and lemon, then gets crisped inside fluffy pita and finished with a tangy lemon-thyme crème fraîche. Crispy, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
This comforting braised chicken dish from Julia Turshen is everything you want in a winter dinner: tender chicken thighs, creamy pinto beans, and a smoky-spicy broth finished with lime, cilantro, and sour cream. Easy enough for weeknights but cozy enough for company, it’s hearty, bright, and deeply satisfying.
Nok Suntaranon’s Khao Mok Ghai is Thailand’s take on chicken biryani: turmeric-marinated chicken, fragrant rice infused with spices, and layers of flavor built from broth, aromatics, and Nok’s Karee Powder. Finished with cilantro, fried shallots, and a tangy herb sauce, it’s a true weekend cooking project worth the reward.
Ina Garten’s Chicken with Goat Cheese & Basil is proof that simple recipes can still feel special. Juicy chicken is baked with creamy garlic-herb goat cheese and fresh basil tucked under the skin. Pair it with couscous or vegetables for a dinner that’s elegant enough for guests yet easy for weeknights.