Ina Garten’s orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage is a weeknight staple for good reason. Sweet and hot sausage, bitter greens, and a simple red wine tomato sauce come together quickly, with plenty of Parmesan at the end.
Dinner
Nok Suntaranon’s Gaeng Pu (Southern-Style Crab Curry)
This is Nok Suntaranon’s Gaeng Pu from Kalaya’s Southern Thai Kitchen. The curry starts with Kalaya House yellow curry paste blended with coconut milk, shrimp paste, and crab, then finished with more crab, chilies, lime leaves, and basil. It’s rich, aromatic, and fast once the paste is made.
Low-Effort, High-Reward: Ina Garten’s Indonesian Ginger Chicken
Ina Garten’s Indonesian Ginger Chicken proves that five ingredients can deliver big flavor. Honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic create a sticky, caramelized glaze after an overnight marinade and a simple roast. It’s a low-effort, high-reward chicken dinner.
A Bucket-List Dish at Home: J. Kenji López-Alt’s French Cassoulet
To celebrate ten years of this project, I finally made J. Kenji López-Alt’s traditional French cassoulet. What once felt intimidating turned out to be approachable with smart shortcuts, patience, and time. The result: fall-apart meats, creamy beans, and rich, comforting flavor worth every minute.
Cauliflower Adobo: A Bold, Satisfying Vegetarian Dinner That Doesn’t Feel Like a Compromise
Looking to eat a little less meat without sacrificing flavor? Ali Slagle’s Cauliflower Adobo delivers. Deeply seared cauliflower simmers in a glossy, garlicky adobo sauce that’s tangy, savory, and just sweet enough. Finished with scallions and served over rice, it’s a vegetarian dinner that feels hearty, bold, and deeply satisfying.
Ina Garten’s 1770 House Meatloaf: The Ultimate Upgrade to a Classic
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.
A Better Thanksgiving Turkey: Buttermilk-Brined, Spatchcocked, and Foolproof
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.
Chris Morocco’s BA’s Best Lasagna: A Creamy, Savory Labor of Love
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.