358 special recipes

Pan-browned whole trout on a bed of mushroom-ham stuffing, draped in a foaming Roquefort and Pernod butter sauce. A classic French fish dish for a special occasion.

A rich, fudgy steamed chocolate pudding made with semi-sweet chocolate and pecans, served warm with a fresh raspberry-liqueur sauce. An elegant make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

Chocolate orange cheesecake layers a chocolate cream cheese base with a Grand Marnier-and-orange-zest top on a chocolate wafer crust. A two-tone showstopper for special occasions.

Chocolate cheesecake built on melted chocolate chips and 2 pounds of cream cheese, topped with sour cream layer and chocolate drizzle. A serious, dense chocolate dessert for special occasions.

Lamb loin wrapped in puff pastry with a pistachio and chestnut puree stuffing, served with a juniper-and-thyme red wine reduction. A showstopper main course for special occasions.

Chocolate raspberry cream cake layers a flourless almond-chocolate base under silky raspberry mousse, finished with lightly whipped cream and fresh berries. Elegant springform dessert built for special occasions.

Pan-fried brook trout stuffed with a creamy shrimp and ginger mousseline, finished with lemon brown butter and parsley. An elegant French-style fish course for a special occasion.

Aunt Grace's fruit mayonnaise folds a cooked pineapple-orange custard into whipped cream for a light, fluffy, sweet dressing. A vintage spread that turns a simple bowl of fruit salad into something special.

Old-fashioned deep chocolate layer cake: a three-layer cocoa and buttermilk cake made in a food processor, dark and tender with sour cream chocolate frosting. Weekend bake for special occasions.

Seared buffalo tenderloin medallions finished with a Jack Daniels pan sauce of veal stock and cream. A restaurant-quality 20-minute dinner for two that feels like a special occasion.

Handmade liqueur-filled chocolates with a kirsch or Chambord fondant center coated in semi-sweet chocolate. These molded truffles make a sophisticated homemade candy gift for holidays and special occasions.

Old-fashioned sweet cantaloupe pickles brined and slow-simmered in a spiced sugar syrup with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. A heritage preserving recipe that turns underripe melons into something special.

Sauteed green beans with garlic, mint, and white vinegar topped with crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts. A Mediterranean-style side dish that turns frozen green beans into something special.

PB&J specials made with rolled bread dough stuffed with peanut butter and jelly, topped with melted butter and chopped peanuts, then baked golden. A fun twist on a childhood classic.

Chicken scallopine in a creamy mushroom sauce with breadcrumb-crusted cutlets, sautéed onion, and a nutmeg-kissed cream finish. An Italian-American classic that turns weeknight chicken into something special.

Great cake is an old-fashioned colonial American pound cake loaded with currants, candied citron, and rosewater. A Martha Washington-era recipe that's dense, buttery, and built for special occasions.