Snack

If you don’t want to go all out with a big variety of dried fruits and nuts (they can get expensive), you can limit yourself to two of each. Just be sure to include the salted roasted chickpeas; they’re addictive and provide a little hit of protein in this mix as well.

You can replace some of the cilantro or parsley with other tender herbs—basil, dill, chives. Just make sure to include the tarragon; it gives the dip an anise-y, bittersweet punch.

A simple recipe that will make you wonder why you never made raw fish at home before.

The caraway is just a starting point. You can use another whole spice if you like (fennel seeds and cumin work well); keep the quantity the same.

The almond purée that is added to the smoked trout will fool you into thinking there’s a boatload of dairy in this dip. It gives the dip an outrageously creamy consistency.

Great with any mushroom you can find (crimini, white button, etc.), but excellent with some morels, porcinis, or chanterelles into the mix.

Mashing peas with the back of a spoon just won’t cut it. Think potato masher + elbow grease if you want to bring out their natural creaminess.

To get that classically decadent, milk-in-every-bite texture, be patient and let it sit overnight.

Using bruised berries, that last little bit of buttermilk in the container, and a scoop of tahini will make you feel both resourceful and well fed.

Angel food cake is so simple, but the specific ingredients and equipment matter.

The shrimp is even better when it’s grilled.

Using chocolate wafers instead of chips is a cookie game-changer.

Creamy avocado hummus, where have you been all our lives?

This bright pink and super creamy hummus is a party showstopper.

A little bit of coconut oil make this curried hummus a complete dream.

Harissa + hummus = heaven.

We call this a hand salad because lettuce and dip just doesn’t sound like nearly as much fun.

Including our favorite approach for cooking quinoa.

This is a cake version of the chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons that are a Passover staple.