40 heel recipes

Texas-style no-bean chili with hand-cubed beef and pork, beer, whiskey, dried chiles, and masa harina. A fiery, competition-worthy pot that feeds a crowd.

Heaven 'n' hell chili plays sweet against fiery: hot turkey sausage, pinto beans, cinnamon, and a splash of red wine. A Cincinnati-leaning twist on classic chili with tangy Catalina depth.

Brisket chili built on beer, stewed tomatoes, and a fistful of red pepper flakes, thickened with masa harina and finished with a shot of tequila poured tableside.

Peanut butter mousse made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped heavy cream folded together. A rich, no-bake dessert with a fluffy, cloud-like texture.

Hells Canyon chukar stir-fry: velveted game bird breast stir-fried with cashews, scallions, snow peas, and rice wine. A hunter's-kitchen take on classic Chinese stir-fry technique.

"This cake is a rich, dark, moist fruit cake, very flavorful at Christmas. Try icing with almond paste for a more festive touch. This recipe is started in October or November so as to let it mellow before the holidays. I remember very well my mother storing her fruit cake in an old butter churn that belonged to my grandmother and great grandmother. I wish that I had that old crock."

Loaded with veggies and with a hint of sweetness, this chili recipe has been my family's favorite for many, many years.

This Christmas pudding has plenty of delicious fruit and nuts, but it's really simple to make - just plan ahead and then make the warm vanilla-bean custard on the day.

Microwave sausage and cabbage casserole with tomatoes, onion, and oregano thickened with a flour slurry. A hearty one-dish dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

Mini florentines, lacy caramel cookies studded with hazelnuts, cherries, and candied peel, baked thin and crisp, then coated underneath with dark and white chocolate combed into the classic wavy pattern.

These Italian Baci di Dama cookies pair ground almonds and candied orange peel with a melted chocolate filling. Crisp, nutty, and citrus-bright, they're irresistible with espresso.

Baci di Dama are Italian "lady's kisses": delicate ground almond cookies with candied orange peel, sandwiched together with melted chocolate. Gluten-light, flourless-forward, and elegant enough for gifting.

Traditional Tuscan cavallucci spice cookies built from a hot sugar syrup kneaded with walnuts, candied orange peel, and warm spices like clove, anise, and cinnamon. Chewy, perfumed, and unmistakably medieval.

A traditional Irish fruit bread, Barmbrack is packed with dried fruits soaked in tea, offering a sweet, spiced flavor. Perfect for slicing, buttering, and enjoying with a cup of tea.

Crispy Spanish olive oil cookies spiced with anise, cinnamon, and sesame seeds, finished with sliced almonds. Egg-free, dairy-free, and fragrant with lemon and white wine.

Old-fashioned unleavened seed cake with caraway seeds, candied orange peel, mace, and chopped nuts. No baking powder needed, whipped egg whites provide the lift.