358 special recipes

Grilled beef tenderloin topped with melted Asadero cheese and a butter-mounted chipotle sauce, finished with crumbled Cotija and fresh cilantro. A Mexican-style steakhouse treatment for special-occasion grilling.

Lebanese Baklawa Be'Aj features phyllo squares shaped into lily petals around an egg-white walnut and almond filling, soaked in rose water and orange blossom syrup. A showstopper pastry for special occasions.

Bread machine bagels with a chewy whole wheat and bread flour blend, sweetened with honey, water-boiled and oven-baked. Make 8, 12, or 16 at a time with no special equipment.

Cream of crab soup with sherry, cooked gently in a double boiler with shallots, egg yolk enrichment, and a dollop of whipped cream. A refined, silky bisque-style soup for special occasions.

Asian-inspired beef filets crusted in chopped peanuts, water chestnuts, and garlic, then baked and topped with a ginger-orange "August Moon" sauce. A retro fusion main dish for special occasions.

Grilled lamb rib chops with a creamy white wine and gorgonzola sauce. Bold blue cheese reduction over rosy lamb, fast enough for a weeknight and rich enough for a special occasion.

An air-dried roast duck glazed with Scotch, soy, honey, ginger, and brown sugar marinade until the skin turns deep mahogany. A Peking-duck-inspired showstopper for a special-occasion dinner.

Easy egg drop soup, the classic Chinese takeout starter made at home with just 4 ingredients: eggs, chicken broth, salt, and scallions. Ready in 10 minutes, four ingredients, no special tools.

Tender scallops poached in their own cooking liquid, then folded into a velvety mayonnaise sauce flavored with thyme. Served over buttered toast for an elegant brunch or light supper that feels special.

Rich sherry cream sauce envelops plump oysters, tender mushrooms, and hard-cooked eggs in this classic baked casserole. Serve over buttery toast for an elegant brunch or special dinner in 40 minutes.

This festive babka is a rich, buttery yeast bread studded with raisins and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumble. Baked in a springform pan, it's a showstopper for holidays and special occasions.

Whipped cream cheese and sour cream folded with caviar, fresh dill, grated onion, and a squeeze of lemon. A 15-minute no-cook appetizer dip that turns any gathering into something special.

Brussels sprouts topped with a warm white wine, lemon, and mayonnaise sauce with chopped hard-boiled eggs. A quick microwave side dish that turns frozen sprouts into something special in 15 minutes.

An elegant charlotte lined with ladyfingers and filled with a tangy citrus cream made from quark, yogurt, and whipped cream. Topped with glazed fresh strawberries. A make-ahead showpiece for special occasions.

Classic French toast made with thick-cut dried bread dipped in a vanilla egg custard and fried golden. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with brandied lemon butter for a special brunch.

Osso buco braises veal shanks in onion butter, white wine, and tomato until fall-apart tender, then finishes with gremolata of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. A Milanese classic for special dinners.