Simple Cooking

Cheddar crackers, all grown up, thanks to a little heat from the cayenne and a hint of sweet pepper from the pimiento. This dough can be formed into a log and stashed in the freezer so it’s on hand for whenever you just happen to need a party appetizer. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.

A good party spread is as much about curation as it is cooking. By using quality store-bought items and plating them up with a little bit of TLC, you have a tasty, stress-free snack at the ready.

These homemade onion-flavored chips just might be more addictive than the store-bought versions.

Take down the temperature of a classic hot toddy and turn it into a refreshing summer tipple: a seasonal mix of tea, citrus, spices, and rye whiskey.

Bright citrus and fresh-ground pepper put a festive spin on two party staples: cured meat and Marcona almonds.

The only thing more crowd-pleasing than cheese is marinated cheese. If Manchego isn’t your thing, go for any semi-firm cheese like white cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.

These quick pickles have just the right amount of sweet, salt, and tang going on. The brine can work with any crunchy veg, but we like them best with cucumbers. We guarantee they'll be the sleeper hit of your next party spread.

With crispy mini potatoes and hearty greens that are roasted in a sweet-tart mustard dressing, this 25-minute dinner is an easy crowd-pleaser.

Finally, a creamy, buttery risotto without all of the stirring. Just pop it in the oven and roast some mushrooms alongside to top off the finished dish.

Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

Cozy up with a mug of this rich, creamy hot chocolate that will warm you up from head to toe.

Two rimmed baking sheets and a hot oven mimic a giant panini press, making grilled cheese for a crowd a super quick and easy prospect.

Classic German flavors bring a fresh twist to this beloved hors d'oeuvre.

Here's how to cook 4 pounds of ground beef, then turn it into pasta sauce, casseroles, tacos, chili, and more in the weeks to come.

Meet your new favorite, cold-weather one-pan salmon dinner. It’s warm and creamy with coconut milk and just spicy enough with green curry paste, ginger, and garlic.

Cutting leeks into large pieces gives them a presence equal to disks of potato, while cooking the vegetables separately before combining—the leeks are braised in butter, the spuds are simmered in milk and cream—preserves their distinct flavors.

A standing rib roast combines deep beefiness with marvelous tenderness and, naturally, has a price tag to match. But don’t be intimidated. It’s still a roast, after all, and that means it’s easy to cook.

It doesn’t take much to make slender, tender green beans memorable—lemon zest and orange zest warmed in olive oil provide sensational sparkle.

Fuyu persimmons, which resemble tomatoes in shape, are best enjoyed while still firm and slightly crisp. The sweet, meaty wedges make a gorgeous counterpoint to the tangle of peppery greens.

Bay scallops—which are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops—are found in estuaries up and down the Eastern Seaboard, from New England to the Mid-Atlantic region. Any of them will work here, but if you really want to pull out all the stops, search for those from Nantucket Bay, which are prized for their candylike succulence. Celery purée swirled with black truffle butter enhances the delicacy of the seafood.