Corn muffin mix baked into cookies with butter, pickled jalapenos, honey, and a dusting of Tajin seasoning. A playful sweet-savory twist that surprises and delights anyone who tries one.

Six pounds of red plums seasoned with almond extract and orange zest fill a food-processor butter crust topped with a woven diagonal lattice and turbinado sugar, baked until golden. This generous slab pie is a stunning way to celebrate peak stone fruit season and feeds a crowd with ease

Crisp escarole and Treviso radicchio are tossed with toasted almonds, fresh basil, and mint in a honey-caramelized Meyer lemon vinaigrette, then finished with charred cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan. This sophisticated, bittersweet salad balances bright citrus and smoky charred tomatoes for an elegant first course.

A smooth and creamy hummus blended with roasted red peppers, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Served with pita chips and fresh vegetables for game day snacking.

Lobster shells are simmered with sherry and vegetables to build a rich stock, then pureed with an immersion blender and finished with cream and chunks of tender lobster meat. This luxurious, velvety bisque is a sophisticated soup course perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal.

Ciabatta rolls layered with provolone, Black Forest ham, roast turkey, and Genoa salami with honey mustard, pressed until crispy and melted. A classic Italian deli sandwich grilled to golden perfection for a hungry crowd of young bakers.

A deeply flavorful Louisiana gumbo built on a dark roux with andouille and smoked sausage, okra, tomatoes, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Served over rice with scallions and hot sauce.

Ziti is tossed with chicken, mushrooms, and cauliflower in a luscious cream sauce enriched with cream cheese, Parmesan, green chiles, thyme, and peas, then baked at 425°F until golden. This make-ahead casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for entertaining, delivering rich comfort food that can be assembled in advance.

Soft, buttery brown sugar cookies loaded with chopped leftover Halloween candy and brightened with lemon and lime zest. Use whatever’s in your candy bowl: Snickers, peanut M&M’s, Butterfingers, Reese’s, Payday. Bake a couple now and freeze the rest of the dough as scoops, so a fresh cookie is always about 10 minutes away.

Tempered white chocolate is spread across parchment and studded with bright green pistachios, ruby-red dried cranberries, and a scattering of flaky sea salt. This simple, no-bake confection delivers a satisfying sweet-salty crunch while adding pops of festive color to the spread.