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Weeknight Baking: A Quick Raspberry Buttermilk Cake for Any Occasion
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Weeknight Baking: A Quick Raspberry Buttermilk Cake for Any Occasion

A simple raspberry buttermilk cake from a Gourmet magazine recipe offers a quick, versatile dessert for weeknights or weekends. With minimal ingredients and a short bake time, it's an ideal choice for home bakers seeking a low-effort treat. The recipe's charm lies in its simplicity and the magical way a fresh cake draws people together.

2026-07-20
Checkerboard Cookies: A Tested Recipe for Holiday Baking
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Checkerboard Cookies: A Tested Recipe for Holiday Baking

A baker's decade-long quest for the perfect checkerboard cookie ends with an egg yolk-enriched sable dough that delivers clear patterns and rich flavor. The recipe, adapted from a favorite sugar cookie method, yields 30-36 cookies and includes variations for spirals and marbled designs.

2026-07-09
Why a 5-Inch Chocolate Chip Cookie Is Worth the 24-Hour Wait
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Why a 5-Inch Chocolate Chip Cookie Is Worth the 24-Hour Wait

After years of favoring a simpler cookie, Smitten Kitchen's Deb Perelman revisits the famous New York Times chocolate chip cookie recipe, discovering that the oversized, three-texture treat has its own special place in a baker's repertoire. The recipe requires a 24-hour chill, but the payoff is a 5-inch cookie with crunchy edges and a gooey center.

2026-07-30
Marbleized Hamantaschen Bring a Dairy Twist to Purim Baking
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Marbleized Hamantaschen Bring a Dairy Twist to Purim Baking

A home baker shares a recipe for marbled hamantaschen that pairs a cream cheese filling with a vanilla-chocolate dough, offering a dairy-forward alternative to traditional pareve versions. The recipe adapts a beloved bakery favorite for home kitchens, with tips for food processor or stand mixer preparation.

2026-08-11
Why Challah Is the Egg Bread That Belongs in Your Kitchen
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Why Challah Is the Egg Bread That Belongs in Your Kitchen

A home baker reflects on the absence of challah in her recipe archive and sets out to correct it. The article explains what makes challah distinct from brioche, its reputation for French toast, and the aroma that fills a kitchen during baking.

2026-07-20
A Festive Babka Wreath Soaked in Honey Syrup for the Holidays
Best of Smitten Kitchen
A Festive Babka Wreath Soaked in Honey Syrup for the Holidays

A new recipe combines the rich, braided structure of babka with the honey-soaked, nutty essence of baklava, creating a festive wreath-shaped sweet bread. The recipe, which draws on Middle Eastern syrup traditions, offers a detailed guide for home bakers seeking a showstopping holiday centerpiece.

2026-07-13
Why a Parent Tried Making Cheddar Crackers at Home
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Why a Parent Tried Making Cheddar Crackers at Home

A parent whose child dislikes cheese finds an unexpected workaround when the child loves cheese-flavored crackers at a park. This leads to a homemade cheddar cracker experiment, despite the parent's own misgivings about the effort.

2026-08-13
Caramelized Onion Chicken and Rice: A One-Skillet Weeknight Staple
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Caramelized Onion Chicken and Rice: A One-Skillet Weeknight Staple

A home cook shares a one-pan chicken and rice dish built on deeply caramelized onions, offering a budget-friendly and make-ahead meal that has become a personal favorite. The recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs, white rice, and a simple broth, with a step-by-step method for achieving golden, sweet onions. The dish is praised for its flavor, convenience, and reheating quality.

2026-06-24
A Home Cook's 30-Minute Vodka Pasta Gets a Modern, Faster Makeover
Best of Smitten Kitchen
A Home Cook's 30-Minute Vodka Pasta Gets a Modern, Faster Makeover

A home cook revisits a classic vodka pasta recipe, cutting the time to 30 minutes and swapping chicken broth for pasta water. The updated version uses tomato paste and heavy cream for a richer, faster sauce. The recipe serves 4 to 6 and is ideal for a weeknight meal.

2026-06-17
From Skeptic to Fan: A Kale Salad That Wins Over Doubters
Best of Smitten Kitchen
From Skeptic to Fan: A Kale Salad That Wins Over Doubters

A longtime kale critic shares how a restaurant dish changed her mind, offering a home version with toasted walnuts, golden raisins, and aged pecorino. The recipe proves that raw kale, finely sliced and lightly dressed, can win over even the most reluctant eaters.

2026-08-11
Summer Slaw Reinvented: Miso-Sesame Dressing and a Call for Change
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Summer Slaw Reinvented: Miso-Sesame Dressing and a Call for Change

A food blogger's summer slaw recipe, featuring a miso-sesame dressing, doubles as a platform for a heartfelt plea for action on gun violence, reflecting on the anxieties of parents sending children to school.

2026-07-10
Summer Chocolate Loaf: A Light One-Bowl Cake for Hot Days
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Summer Chocolate Loaf: A Light One-Bowl Cake for Hot Days

A home baker shares a simple chocolate loaf cake that suits warm weather, made with buttermilk and Dutch-processed cocoa. The one-bowl recipe yields a moist, tender crumb and is best enjoyed on the second or third day. This article provides the full ingredient list and baking instructions.

2026-07-30
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake: A Birthday Classic Reinvented
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake: A Birthday Classic Reinvented

A home baker shares the recipe for a sour cream chocolate layer cake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting and a chocolate peanut butter glaze, a birthday favorite that combines rich flavors and one-bowl simplicity.

2026-06-22
Open-Faced Grilled Cheese Meets Tomato Soup in One Broiled Bowl
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Open-Faced Grilled Cheese Meets Tomato Soup in One Broiled Bowl

A home cook merges grilled cheese and tomato soup into a single broiled dish, inspired by French onion soup. The open-faced sandwich lid tops a bowl of tomato soup, offering a cozy twist for fall. The idea evolved from a year of experimentation, finally realized during the overlap of tomato and soup season.

2026-06-14
Pumpkin Bread Gets a Snickerdoodle-Style Crunchy Lid
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Pumpkin Bread Gets a Snickerdoodle-Style Crunchy Lid

A food writer's quest to improve classic pumpkin bread leads to a taller loaf with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust. The recipe uses the entire can of pumpkin puree and yields a tender interior with a snickerdoodle-like top. It's a fresh take for those tired of pumpkin spice clichés.

2026-07-31
Confetti Cake Recipe: A Parent's Guide to a Custom Birthday Centerpiece
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Confetti Cake Recipe: A Parent's Guide to a Custom Birthday Centerpiece

A parent's quest to create a memorable birthday cake for a toddler leads to a versatile confetti cake recipe that can be dressed up as a favorite character or served as a simple sheet cake. The article shares the baker's tweaks for a moist white cake and offers a practical method for piping a recognizable face without artistic skill.

2026-08-03
Weekend Baker’s Guide to Thick and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Weekend Baker’s Guide to Thick and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

A home baker shares her method for crafting thick, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, starting from the classic Quaker oats recipe and adjusting sugar, raisins, and texture. The article includes ingredient measurements, baking instructions, and a note on chilling dough for better results.

2026-08-12
Why a Pastry Chef Ditched Shortening and Food Processors for Flaky Crusts
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Why a Pastry Chef Ditched Shortening and Food Processors for Flaky Crusts

A home baker shares updated techniques for making flaky all-butter pie dough, explaining why she now avoids food processors and shortening, and emphasizes keeping butter cold and visible. The article offers practical adjustments for experienced bakers looking to refine their crust.

2026-07-20
Bakery-Style Chocolate Muffins: A Home Baker's Guide to Tall, Glossy Tops
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Bakery-Style Chocolate Muffins: A Home Baker's Guide to Tall, Glossy Tops

A food writer shares a new recipe for rich chocolate muffins that mimic the tall, glossy tops found in coffee shop cases. The one-bowl method uses everyday ingredients and yields 12 muffins in about 30 minutes, with an option to halve the batch for six.

2026-06-20
Baked Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms: A Make-Ahead Brunch Star
Best of Smitten Kitchen
Baked Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms: A Make-Ahead Brunch Star

A long-time favorite baked egg dish gets a fresh look, offering a vegetarian, gluten-free option that works for both brunch and dinner. The recipe's flexibility and make-ahead potential make it a practical choice for home cooks. Discover how a simple switch from skillet to baking dish elevated its appeal.

2026-05-27
A Home Cook's Quest to Recreate Portugal's Fiery Piri Piri Chicken
Best of Smitten Kitchen
A Home Cook's Quest to Recreate Portugal's Fiery Piri Piri Chicken

After a family trip to Portugal, a home cook set out to recreate the piri piri chicken they fell in love with, navigating a sea of conflicting recipes. They distilled common ingredients into a versatile marinade that works for grilling or roasting, offering a practical approach for home cooks.

2026-06-04
Recipes
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Weeknight Pork Chops With Caramelized Onion Pan Sauce
Recipes
Weeknight Pork Chops With Caramelized Onion Pan Sauce

A quick skillet method turns thin pork loin chops into a weeknight meal with a sweet onion pan sauce. The recipe requires just five ingredients and about 45 minutes, making it a practical option for busy evenings.

2026-07-07
Weeknight Chickpea Curry Ready in 20 Minutes
Recipes
Weeknight Chickpea Curry Ready in 20 Minutes

This 20-minute chickpea curry combines pantry staples like canned garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty vegetarian meal. With a quick blender sauce and a single skillet, it's a practical weeknight option. The recipe yields four servings and can be paired with bread or rice.

2026-07-18
Crispy Potato-Crusted Sole: A Fast Weeknight Fish Dinner
Recipes
Crispy Potato-Crusted Sole: A Fast Weeknight Fish Dinner

A simple recipe coats sole fillets in instant mashed potato flakes and fries them to a golden crunch in just 20 minutes. With a short ingredient list and straightforward steps, it's a practical option for busy evenings. Each serving provides about 391 calories and 30 grams of protein.

2026-05-28
Make-Ahead Beef Stew: A Slow-Cooker Dinner for Busy Weeks
Recipes
Make-Ahead Beef Stew: A Slow-Cooker Dinner for Busy Weeks

A practical slow-cooker beef stew recipe that lets home cooks prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick, hearty dinner. The recipe includes a make-ahead option to freeze a second batch, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.

2026-06-05
Weeknight Savior: 4-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Butter Beef
Recipes
Weeknight Savior: 4-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Butter Beef

A four-ingredient slow-cooker butter beef recipe promises tender, savory meat with minimal prep. This hands-off dinner, ready in as little as four hours, serves eight and pairs perfectly with egg noodles. It's a practical solution for busy weeknights.

2026-07-29
Morning Rush? Try These 24 Buttermilk Oat Muffins
Recipes
Morning Rush? Try These 24 Buttermilk Oat Muffins

This recipe yields two dozen buttermilk oat muffins using quick oats, offering a practical breakfast option for busy mornings. With a 15-minute prep and about 18 minutes of baking, it's a straightforward bake that fills the kitchen with cinnamon aroma. The muffins are moist, lightly sweetened with brown sugar, and pair well with coffee or milk.

2026-07-01
Homemade Steamed Pork Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Recipes
Homemade Steamed Pork Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learn to make classic steamed pork dumplings at home with this straightforward recipe. Using ground pork, cabbage, and wonton wrappers, you can create a batch of 100 dumplings perfect for parties or family meals.

2026-06-12
Quick Skillet Pork Chops with Creamy Ranch Rice for Busy Evenings
Recipes
Quick Skillet Pork Chops with Creamy Ranch Rice for Busy Evenings

A 25-minute skillet dinner combines pork chops with a creamy mushroom-ranch sauce and ranch-flavored rice. Using pantry staples like condensed soup and dressing mix, this recipe offers a simple, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.

2026-08-12
How to Roast Eye of Round Beef for a Juicy Family Dinner
Recipes
How to Roast Eye of Round Beef for a Juicy Family Dinner

Learn a straightforward method for roasting eye of round beef using a weight-based formula that ensures a juicy, evenly cooked roast. The recipe includes a simple spice rub, precise temperature guidance, and resting steps for optimal flavor.

2026-06-20
How to Make Crispy Carnitas at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Recipes
How to Make Crispy Carnitas at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn to prepare authentic Mexican carnitas with pork shoulder, braised with lime and spices, then baked until crispy. This detailed guide covers ingredients, timing, and techniques for a crowd-pleasing dish.

2026-07-02
Smitten Kitchen’s Second Cookbook Arrives With Pre-Orders, Tour, and Personalized Inscriptions
Recipes
Smitten Kitchen’s Second Cookbook Arrives With Pre-Orders, Tour, and Personalized Inscriptions

Smitten Kitchen's second cookbook, 'Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant & Unfussy New Favorites,' will be released on October 24. Fans can pre-order signed copies with personalized inscriptions, catch the author on a multi-city book tour, and UK readers get an earlier December 7 release with a free recipe card.

2026-08-04
Thai Pumpkin Coconut Soup: A 25-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Recipes
Thai Pumpkin Coconut Soup: A 25-Minute Weeknight Dinner

This Thai-inspired pumpkin soup combines coconut milk and lemongrass for a creamy, spicy bowl ready in just 25 minutes. With flexible heat levels and a dairy-free twist, it's a practical choice for busy weeknights. The recipe serves four and includes full nutrition details.

2026-06-22
Whisk Up a Ruby Red French Dressing With Pantry Basics
Recipes
Whisk Up a Ruby Red French Dressing With Pantry Basics

A simple homemade French dressing combines olive oil, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, onion, lemon juice, and spices. It requires just 10 minutes of prep and a three-hour chill before serving. This make-ahead condiment offers a tangy, sweet flavor for salads and more.

2026-07-28
Home Cooks Can Master Beef Wellington With This Step-by-Step Guide
Recipes
Home Cooks Can Master Beef Wellington With This Step-by-Step Guide

This guide walks home cooks through preparing a classic Beef Wellington, from searing a beef tenderloin to wrapping it in puff pastry with a mushroom and pâté layer. It includes a rich red wine sauce and precise oven temperatures to achieve a medium-rare center, making it a fitting centerpiece for holiday meals.

2026-08-11
Bacon-Ranch Chicken Bake: A 45-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Recipes
Bacon-Ranch Chicken Bake: A 45-Minute Weeknight Dinner

This bacon-ranch chicken bake turns pantry staples into a hearty dinner in 45 minutes. With crispy bacon, sautéed onions, ranch dressing, and Parmesan, it's a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual celebrations.

2026-08-06
Homemade Thai Chili Sauce: A Balanced Blend of Heat and Sweet
Recipes
Homemade Thai Chili Sauce: A Balanced Blend of Heat and Sweet

A versatile Thai-style sweet chili sauce, known as Nam Jim, can be made at home with a blend of pantry staples and fresh chilies. Chef John's hybrid approach combines cooked and fresh elements, yielding a balanced condiment ideal for grilled meats. The recipe takes about 20 minutes and yields eight servings.

2026-07-11
Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts with Savory Pan Sauce
Recipes
Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts with Savory Pan Sauce

A straightforward recipe for oven-baked chicken breasts uses just five ingredients and a quick pan sauce made from drippings and broth. With a 35-minute total time, it offers a reliable weeknight dinner option that yields tender, juicy results.

2026-07-15
Root Beer Pulled Pork: A Slow-Cooker Dinner for Hectic Evenings
Recipes
Root Beer Pulled Pork: A Slow-Cooker Dinner for Hectic Evenings

This slow-cooker pulled pork recipe uses pork tenderloin and root beer to create a tender, flavorful filling for sandwiches. With minimal prep and a long, hands-off cook time, it's a practical option for busy weeknights. The recipe yields eight servings and can be customized with your favorite barbecue sauce.

2026-07-03
Apple-Glazed Pork Loin: A Cozy Oven Recipe for Weekend Dinners
Recipes
Apple-Glazed Pork Loin: A Cozy Oven Recipe for Weekend Dinners

This oven-braised pork loin recipe uses apple juice and a spiced apple butter glaze to create a tender, flavorful main dish. With a total time of just over three hours, it's designed for relaxed weekend cooking. Each serving provides 607 calories and 65 grams of protein.

2026-06-15
Citrus-Milk Braised Pork Shoulder: A Two-Step Path to Crispy Carnitas
Recipes
Citrus-Milk Braised Pork Shoulder: A Two-Step Path to Crispy Carnitas

This recipe transforms pork shoulder into tender, flavorful carnitas through a two-step process: a slow milk braise with orange and spices, followed by a high-heat oven finish for a crispy exterior. The result is a succulent dish that balances richness with subtle citrus sweetness.

2026-08-01
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops: A Simple BBQ Dinner for Six
Recipes
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops: A Simple BBQ Dinner for Six

Discover a fuss-free slow cooker method for pork chops that yields tender, flavorful results. This recipe requires only two main ingredients and offers flexible cooking times, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.

2026-08-11