10,000 bitter recipes

Seafood crepes stuff thin pancakes with poached monkfish, scallops, and shrimp bound in a garlic-infused Gruyère cream sauce, then bake until bubbling. A French bistro starter or light luncheon dish that punches well above its ingredient list.

Fruity pineapple cake studded with golden raisins, candied cherries, and crushed pineapple, baked low and slow in a tube pan. A retro holiday loaf that ages beautifully and slices clean.

Fight off the vampires with this succulent dish that has an evil, but scrumptious taste.

What a great way to cook with seasonal veggies. I used both green zucchini and yellow summer squash that grew in my garden as well as tomato, and it was yummy and refreshing.

French onion soup with Coca-Cola added to the beef broth for extra caramel sweetness and depth. Topped with broiled French bread and Parmesan cheese for a bubbly, golden crust.

A warm, creamy shrimp dip with cream cheese, butter, horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire. Served hot with crackers, it disappears fast at any gathering.

Dump chicken rice casserole layers chicken breasts over uncooked rice with three cans of cream soup and butter, then bakes hands-off until tender. The ultimate set-and-forget weeknight dinner.

Microwave pork and noodle casserole with cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar, corn, and bell pepper. A retro one-dish dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

Crispy deep-fried codfish balls made with flaked cod and mashed potatoes. Serve them as a New England appetizer with cocktail sauce or as a hearty main dish with lemon wedges.

A puffy, golden Dutch baby pancake with lemon zest and vanilla, topped with dark sweet cherries, sliced almonds, and powdered sugar. Dramatic enough to wow a brunch crowd, easy enough for a Tuesday morning.

Classic French blanquette of veal with cauliflower in a velvety white roux sauce finished with sour cream. Slow-simmered tender veal stew, lightly nutmegged. Serve over rice pilaf or buttered noodles.

A succulent dish made with bay scallops, pine nuts and fresh basil that's perfect for a dinner with friends.

Creamy pasta with pine nuts builds a quick roux-based cream sauce with white wine, fresh dill, and toasted pine nuts. A 20-minute alternative to Alfredo with brighter, herbier character.

Berlin Doughnuts (Bismarks) are classic German jam-filled yeasted doughnuts with rum extract and orange juice in the dough, deep-fried and sugared. Makes 12 pillowy doughnuts.

Italian sausage fettuccine with hot Italian sausage, onions, and a silky bechamel cream sauce. A weeknight spicy-creamy pasta that's ready in 40 minutes.

Caramel pecan pie with a silky custard filling and billowy meringue topping. Caramelized sugar, toasted pecans, and vanilla custard pour into a flaky crust for a Southern-style holiday dessert.