yesha Nurdjaja’s chicken salad takes a familiar classic and makes it sing. Poached chicken, mayo, and Dijon get brightness from grated carrot, dill, lemon zest, and serrano, then finish with za’atar pickled red onions for a sharp, balancing bite. Creamy, crunchy, and perfect on toasted sourdough.
Ina Cheat Day
Chris Morocco’s Shepherd’s Pie
Chris Morocco’s shepherd’s pie is a rich, comforting take on the classic. Made with bacon, lamb, red wine, and herbs, the savory filling simmers down into a flavorful ragu. Topped with golden mashed potatoes enriched with butter and sour cream, it’s a cozy, satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights or St. Patrick’s Day.
Nok Suntaranon’s Yum Nua (Steak Salad with Toasted Rice Powder)
Nok Suntaranon’s Yum Nua is a bold, flavor-packed Thai steak salad featuring juicy, marinated skirt steak, fiery chilies, fresh herbs, and toasted rice powder. A sweet-spicy dressing ties it all together, making it a must-try dish for spice lovers. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a taste explosion worth every step!
David Tanis’s Cranberry Curd Tart
David Tanis’s Cranberry Curd Tart features a silky, orange-zested cranberry curd baked in a rich hazelnut crust. This NYT Cooking favorite has nearly 10,000 ratings and a perfect 5/5 stars. Whether for the holidays or an unexpected mid-March treat, it’s a beautifully balanced dessert worth making year-round.
Ayesha Nurdjaja’s Kofta Meatballs With Pistachio-Arugula Sauce
Ayesha Nurdjaja’s kofta meatballs blend beef and lamb with aromatic herbs, pan-fried to juicy perfection. The standout pistachio-arugula sauce adds bright, lemony contrast to the rich meat. These aren’t ordinary meatballs—they’re a true showstopper that makes meeting your weekly meatball quota deliciously easy.
Stella Park’s Dark Chocolate Cream Pie
Celebrated Pi(e) Day with Stella Parks’ Dark Chocolate Cream Pie featuring an all-butter crust, espresso-infused chocolate pudding, and towering meringue. While visually impressive, the slices didn’t hold well and the combination was overly sweet. Next time, I’ll opt for lightly sweetened whipped cream instead.
Millie Peartree’s Cajun Shrimp Bowl
Millie Peartree’s Cajun Shrimp Bowl combines sweet-spicy butter-honey shrimp with cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce, all served over aromatic garlic-coconut rice. This easy weeknight meal balances bold Cajun flavors with creamy coconut and fresh herbs for a perfect dinner that comes together quickly.
James Park’s Fiery Spaghetti & Meatballs
James Park’s Fiery Meatballs combine Italian tradition with Asian flavors like chili crisp, gochujang, and soy sauce. These pork and beef meatballs, packed with mozzarella, basil, and onions, can be easily baked instead of pan-seared for a delicious dinner.