70 maximum recipes

Belgian spice crisps are paper-thin, shatteringly crisp cookies scented with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, lemon, and rum. A European Christmas classic rolled ultra-thin for maximum crunch.

One-pot beef and brown rice stew baked in a Dutch oven with crushed tomatoes, allspice, chili powder, and green beans. Minimal prep, maximum warmth for cold-weather weeknights.

Marinated flank steak grilled over hot coals after a 4-hour soak in a ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and garlic marinade. Sliced thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Old-fashioned sourdough trail pancakes fermented 24 to 48 hours for maximum tang. Silver dollar-sized flapjacks made with dry milk powder, perfect for camping or lazy weekend mornings.

Pureed asparagus soup with a homemade asparagus stock, leeks, shallots, white miso, and blended tofu for creaminess. A dairy-free, vegan soup that uses every part of the asparagus for maximum flavor.

Dry-rubbed baby back ribs grilled to smoky, caramelized glory alongside fresh corn on the cob brushed with homemade basil oil. Start the rub the night before for maximum flavor.

Chicken breasts layered with Swiss cheese and stuffing mix, then drenched in a creamy wine sauce made from mushroom and celery soups. Minimal prep, maximum comfort in under an hour.

A dead-simple one-pan chicken bake with green beans, diced potatoes, and melted butter mixed with Italian dressing seasoning. Minimal prep, maximum weeknight dinner payoff for the whole family.

Salsa Mexicana (pico de gallo) with fresh tomato, white onion, serrano chilies, and cilantro. A raw, chunky Mexican table salsa best made right before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.

Classic English trifle with raspberry-jam-soaked sponge cake, brandy, sherry, silky vanilla custard, and whipped cream. A showstopping layered dessert served in a glass bowl for maximum visual drama.

Florida-style shrimp baked en papillote in a tangy blue cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream sauce with garlic, parsley, and sauterne wine. Wrapped in foil packets for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Stay abed stew is the ultimate lazy day meal. Cubed beef, carrots, potatoes, and tomato soup go into one casserole and bake low and slow for 5 hours. Almost zero prep, maximum comfort.

Smoky bacon meets sharp cheddar in this velvety soup loaded with tender vegetables. Cook everything in bacon fat for maximum flavor, then stir in cream for pure comfort in a bowl.

Hot cheddar bean dip with mashed pinto beans, green chiles, and hot sauce baked until bubbly. Five ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum cheesy, spicy flavor for game day or any gathering.

A golden, puffy soufflé filled with tender zucchini (or spinach), nutty Gruyère, and fresh parsley. Vegetarian, elegant, and easier than you think. Serve it straight from the oven for maximum wow factor.

Slow-simmered Indian chicken curry built on 30 minutes of caramelized onions, whole cinnamon, cardamom, and a rich tomato gravy. Rested for maximum depth, this is weekend cooking that rewards your patience.