Name: Pecan or Angel Slices
Yield: Twelve 2 3/4 x 2 1/3-inch bars
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, divided; 1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla, divided; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional 1 1/2 tablespoons; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups chopped toasted, pecans or walnuts; 1 cup flaked or shredded sweetened coconut, lightly toasted; 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted; 1/4 cup fresh lemon, orange, or lime juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla

Pecan or Angel SlicesCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

Many a copy of JOY has been sold on the strength of this recipe. One fan says her family is sure these are the cakes St. Peter gives little children at the Gates of Heaven, to get them over the first pangs of homesickness.

The lemon glaze should be spread on warm cakes or Christmas cookies. It has a fine consistency for embedding decorative nuts and fruits.

Recipe notes

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.