Mary-Frances Heck

This Thanksgiving essential can be whipped together while the turkey rests.

A splash of espresso or strong coffee makes this chocolaty dessert all the richer.

These make-ahead ribs are baked in the oven for ease, then grilled to a lacquered char.

This textured spread is great served with cured meats. If you wind up with leftovers, use it on sandwiches.

Adding veggies to the marinade while warm helps them absorb more flavor.

As summer progresses and apricots go out of season, try these desserts with ripe plums instead.

Bigger picnic? Simply roast two birds at the same time.

Go big with garnishes--it should look like there's a garden growing in there.

Muddled peas add a fresh twist. Pouring through a fine-mesh strainer makes for a clean-drinking cocktail.

It's not traditional, but we love the heat that fresh ginger adds to the salsa that accompanies this brown rice and beans recipe.

There's a lot packed into this savory bread pudding recipe: pancetta, broccoli rabe, Parmesan cheese, and of course, eggs.

Your next weeknight dinner is this steak stir fry recipe. We like skirt steak because it's a tasty and affordable cut. Slice it thinly so it's tender.

This weeknight chicken soup goes Greek with orzo, lemon juice, and a handful of fresh dill.

Martini drinker? Try this Italian take on the Vesper, which uses the slightly sweet aperitif Cocchi Americano.