A cloud-light angel food cake is enriched with cocoa, espresso, and grated bittersweet chocolate, baked in a tube pan, then sliced, buttered, and grilled for smoky caramelized edges, served with berries and whipped cream. Grilling the delicate cake adds an unexpected twist that perfectly caps off a grill-centric chicken dinner.

Crème de cassis and lemon juice are frozen with fresh raspberries into jewel-toned ice cubes, then dropped into flutes of chilled prosecco that slowly turn pink as they melt. This gorgeous, inventive cocktail doubles as a conversation piece and delivers a gradually deepening berry flavor with every sip.

Eight varieties of summer vegetables are grilled until smoky and tender and served alongside a creamy dip made from grilled avocado, yogurt, and roasted garlic with za'atar-seasoned grilled pita on the side. This colorful, shareable platter celebrates the peak of summer produce and gives guests a healthy, satisfying option at the center of any patio party spread.

A whole chicken is brined in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and oven-baked at 425 degrees on a wire rack until golden and shatteringly crisp without any frying. This clever technique delivers all the crunch and juiciness of classic fried chicken with far less mess and a fraction of the oil.

Crispy baked egg rolls stuffed with Mexican cheese blend and corn, served with a quick salsa dipping sauce. An easy, crowd-friendly appetizer with Southwestern flair.

Cranberry juice, orange vodka, and spiced-thyme simple syrup topped with prosecco, served with a stunning cranberry Bundt ice ring. A sparkling, show-stopping party punch that sets the tone for a festive holiday celebration.

These super-easy, can’t be beat zesty, summery shrimp rolls pack a fresh, herby punch into every buttery, toasted bite.

Gingerbread-espresso cookie dough is shaped into cones, filled with a pecan-brown sugar-cherry mixture, and baked until golden and fragrant. These charming bell-shaped cookies are a treasured holiday heirloom recipe with warm spice, toasty nuts, and a touch of fruity sweetness in every bite.

Blanched broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas are simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-green curry paste sauce with shredded cabbage, carrots, and creamy avocado stirred in at the end. This vibrant, fully vegan curry delivers bold Southeast Asian flavor and satisfying richness without any meat or dairy.

Buttery shortbread infused with rosemary and lemon zest pulsed into sugar, pressed into a pan, baked, and drizzled with lemon icing. A fragrant, sophisticated cookie perfect for sharing during the quiet, contemplative evenings of early winter.