Name: Tofu- and Walnut-Stuffed Mushrooms
Yield: Makes 12 mushrooms
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced small; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 14 oz firm tofu, frozen and then defrosted (Freezing changes texture to a more meaty substance that soaks up flavor. Freeze in plastic wrap, thaw and pat dry with paper towel to remove excess water.); 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crumbled; 2 small tomatoes, finely chopped; 1/3 cup ground walnuts; 2 tsp mellow miso, or more for stronger flavor (available at health food stores); 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 12 large, fresh cremini or white mushrooms, wiped clean, stems removed; 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Chef Nadine Barner, who kept Gwyneth Paltrow looking fab with a macrobiotic regimen (a diet of mostly grains and vegetables), has served these tasty morsels at private parties hosted by the actress. Brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids from the walnuts makes this a smart starter. The calcium and protein combo found in tofu works to bolster bone density (no wonder Paltrow stands so tall in Hollywood), and the mushrooms' potassium helps protect against high blood pressure.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

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.