Dairy

Thin, crisp toast has never let me down. Making a batch while I mull over what’s for dinner always saves me, later, when kids are circling or a guest arrives early. It must be made from stale bread—a fresh loaf is difficult to slice very thin, which is what you must do for crunchy, tender, non mouth-injuring toast. A 350°F oven will help make toast for a crowd without much risk of burning (as long as you use a timer and stand by vigilantly!).

Inspired by Alice Medrich's gluten-free corn chiffon cake recipe in her book Flavor Flours, the Epicurious Test Kitchen created this new take on shortcake. The naturally sweet flavor of corn really shines through in the delicate and spongy cake, which forms a wonderful base for blackberries and cream.

Top these tender whole-wheat waffles with fresh fruit and slivered almonds for a restaurant-worthy breakfast.

Smoked mozzarella flavors these chops from the inside; an easy cherry tomato pan sauce and creamy polenta round things out.

Even though they're vegetarian, these cheesy, BBQ sauce-slathered eggplant sandwiches are satisfyingly meaty.

Miso paste increases the umami factor, and broccoli rabe brings refreshing bite to this classic bacon, egg, and cheese pasta combo.

Flavor fish fillets with the Middle Eastern spice mix za’atar and then serve over couscous and sautéed greens for a totally satisfying 22-minute meal.

Everything good about a lox and bagel sandwich (minus the bagel).