Simple Cooking

Brown butter brings out nuttiness of the pecans, while the bite of rum and the slight bitterness of espresso balance out the sweetness of this pie.

Szechuan peppercorn's unique flavor is tingly and refreshing rather than chile-hot. You can find them in gourmet shops or online. You can also substitute a pinch of red-pepper flakes if you'd prefer a bit of heat instead.

One of the most important steps in making custard is making sure the sugar is fully dissolved into the yolks. Be sure to beat them together until pale yellow ribbons form, since the sugar acts as a shield for the yolks, preventing them from curdling when you add the hot cream.

This gorgeous dessert has just 5 ingredients and is super simple to make. Use a fine-mesh sieve to lightly dust the top with confectioners' sugar for an elegant finish.

This not-too-sweet loaf would also make amazing French toast.

Low-acid Meyer lemons make the citrus flavor of these bars especially vibrant.

Herbaceous and packed with fiber and protein, this grain salad is a keeper.

This bread is also perfect with chili.

This vibrant soup is especially delicious alongside baguette toasts topped with melted cheese.

Baked in cast-iron skillets, these loaves are dense, soft, and subtly sweet.

These truffle-like cookies dipped in crushed candy are as fun to make as they are to eat.

These sausage-studded cheese puffs are a Cajun take on a classic French appetizer.

Indulgent raspberry cream cheese makes homemade brownies even better.

Slightly undercook these mouthwatering morsels for a molten effect.

This addictive sauce is also incredible with beignets or ice cream.

Toast the cornbread for a nice crisp texture.

For perfectly browned tops, cook one pan at a time on the topmost oven rack.