Cooking Difficulty
Choose a recipe that matches your experience or helps you practice something new. The five levels—Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert—reflect the skills, precision, and coordination involved. Read the method before starting; a quick recipe can still call for careful technique.
Browse the posts below, or choose a subcategory when available.
Advanced
Put your culinary experience to work with recipes that reward skill, patience, and attention to detail. From refined preparations to challenging cooking techniques, these dishes offer experienced home cooks the opportunity to create impressive results and expand their culinary repertoire.
Beginner
New to cooking? Start here! These approachable recipes feature simple ingredients, familiar kitchen tools, and easy-to-follow instructions. No previous cooking experience is needed—just a little curiosity and an appetite for something delicious.
Easy
Ready to build your kitchen confidence? These recipes introduce everyday cooking techniques while keeping preparation straightforward and enjoyable. Perfect for home cooks who know their way around the kitchen and appreciate delicious results without unnecessary complications.
Intermediate
Take your cooking skills to the next level! These recipes invite you to explore more involved preparations, coordinate multiple steps, and practice techniques that bring greater depth, flavor, and creativity to your cooking. A rewarding choice for confident home cooks looking for a satisfying challenge.
In this collection
Quick Enchilada Sauce
1 14.5-ounce can or jar Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, salsa, or salsa verde ¾ cup cheese (your choice), shredded Use purchased Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, salsa, or salsa verde as…
Strawberry Sauce
2 cups frozen strawberries ⅓ cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar Combine strawberries, sugar and Balsamic vinegar in food processor or blender. Process until mixture is smooth…
Linguine with Red Clam Sauce
1 pound linguine 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, chopped ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper ½ cup dry red wine 3 cups tomato sauce 4 6-ounce cans…
Mark’s Spaghetti with Brooklyn Clam Sauce
At his restaurant Campagna in New York City, chef Mark Strausman serves this pasta dish that reminds him of the Italian restaurants he used to frequent in Brooklyn…
Thai Chicken Coconut Soup
When I was younger, the words Asian cuisine would bring to mind familiar dishes like sweet and sour shrimp or moo goo gai pan, but not much else.…
Spinach Pesto
4 cups packed spinach leaves 1 cup grated Parmesan ¾ cup pecans, lightly toasted 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Pepper…
Spaetzle
1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 large eggs 1/4 cup milk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons minced…
Cilantro-Lime Crème Fraiche
1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons buttermilk Finely grated rind and juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro Combine cream and buttermilk in a glass jar.…
Zucchini Cakes
Old Bay seasoning added to these vegetable cakes makes them taste a bit like crab cakes. These cakes are lighter and more tender when made with fresh breadcrumbs.…
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Basil Balsamic Dressing
This vibrant salad bursts with the flavors of sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and nutty pine nuts, all beautifully balanced by a fresh, tangy basil balsamic dressing. A delightful…
