Bourbon & Brown Sugar Marinated Steak

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup bourbon or other whiskey
• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar, preferably dark
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. hot sauce, such as Tabasco
• 1-1/2 to 2 lb. beef steak, preferably flank, or 1-1/2-inch-thick New York strip steaks

Tip:

You can marinate the steaks in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before grilling. Just bring the steaks back to room temperature before grilling.

Prepare a medium-hot grill fire. Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, bourbon, sugar, mustard, and hot sauce in a large zip-top bag. Seal and shake to combine the ingredients and dissolve the sugar. Add the steak to the bag, seal, massage to cover the steaks with marinade, and set aside for 15 to 20 min. at room temperature.

When the grill is ready, remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess, but don’t pat it dry. Reserve the marinade. Grill the steak until good sear marks appear, 3 to 4 min. With tongs, rotate the steak 90 degrees (to get a crosshatch of grill marks) and continue grilling until grill marks form and the edges are a little crisp, another 3 to 4 min. Flip the steak and grill the other side in the same way until the exterior is nicely seared and the steak is cooked to your liking, 10 to 12 min. total cooking time for medium rare. Let the steaks rest for about 5 min.

Meanwhile, pour the marinade into a small saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until syrupy, about 3 min. (watch carefully to prevent burning). For flank steak, slice the meat thinly across the grain. For strip steaks, slice thickly or serve in chunks. Serve with a drizzle of the sauce.

Classic Buttermilk Cornbread

This recipe take style cues from both Southern cornbread (baking in a hot, greased skillet), and Northern-style recipes (added flour and sugar). Since traditional cornbread can be dry, making a cornmeal mush and adding a little sour cream to the buttermilk go a long way toward a moist, tender crumb.Leftover cornbread makes a flavorful and versatile base for stuffing. Use our Recipe Maker to create your own stuffing, flavored with anything from mushrooms and pine nuts to dried cranberries and sausage.
For more holiday-worthy sides visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

• 9 oz. (1-3/4 cups) medium-grind stone-ground yellow cornmeal, such as Bob’s Red Mill
• 2-1/4 oz. (1/2 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1-1/2 oz. (3 Tbs.) unsalted butter, cut into a few pieces

Position a rack in the center of the oven and put a 9- to 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9-inch heavy-duty square or round metal baking pan (not nonstick) on the rack. Heat the oven to 425°F.


In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil over high heat. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the cornmeal and the boiling water. Stir to blend—the mixture should become a thick mush.


In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining 1-1/4 cups cornmeal with the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to blend.


Add the buttermilk, sour cream, and eggs to the cornmeal mush and whisk to blend.


When the oven and pan are fully heated (after about 20 minutes), add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until just blended. Do not overmix.


Remove the hot pan from the oven and add the butter pieces, tilting the pan to swirl the butter around until it’s melted and the pan is well coated. (The butter may brown; that’s fine.) Immediately pour the melted butter over the mixed batter and stir to combine—a half-dozen strokes with a wooden spoon should be plenty. Scrape into the hot pan.


Bake until the cornbread pulls away from the sides of the pan and is golden on top, 18 to 20 minutes. Immediately turn the bread out onto a rack. Cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Creamy Crab and Artichoke Dip

Splurge on fresh jumbo lump crabmeat for this tasty dip or, for a less expensive option, use pasteurized “special” crabmeat from the canned seafood aisle (Boss or Chicken of the Sea are good brands). Serve with toast points or water crackers.

• 8 oz. crème fraîche
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 9 oz. thawed frozen artichoke hearts, gently squeezed dry
• 1/3 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/3 cup using a rasp grater)
• 2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb. crabmeat, picked through for shells, drained, and excess liquid squeezed out if canned, or lightly shredded if fresh
• Kosher salt

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Heat the crème fraîche and cream cheese in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet or flameproof baking dish over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and bubbling, about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, chop the garlic. Add the artichoke hearts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Old Bay Seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce; pulse until coarsely chopped. Stir the crab and the artichoke mixture into the hot crème fraîche mixture and season to taste with salt. Broil until browned, about 3 minutes; serve from the baking dish or skillet (with a kitchen towel wrapped around the handle).

German Potato Salad

Sure, the Classic Potato Salad recipe is a winner, but for your next cookout, turn up the tangy dial and impress your guests with another classic: German Potato Salad, or create your own potato salad recipe with our new Potato Salad Recipe Maker.

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 Tbs. grainy mustard
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-1/2 tsp. caraway seeds, lightly toasted and ground

For the salad

• 1/4 cup plain rice vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 3-1/2 lb. medium waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red, scrubbed clean
• 3/4 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup small-diced sweet onion
• 3/4 cup small-diced dill pickles
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Make the dressing

Whisk the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil until combined. Whisk in the caraway seeds.

Make the salad

Combine the rice vinegar and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit to dissolve the salt. Put the potatoes and 2 Tbs. salt in a 6-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the potatoes until barely tender when poked with a fork or skewer, 20 to 25 minutes. If the potatoes aren't all the same size, remove them as they are cooked.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside until just cool enough to handle. Using a paring knife, peel the potatoes by scraping off the skin. Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the rice vinegar and gently stir with a spatula to coat. With your fingers, pull apart any pieces that are stuck together.

Gently fold the bacon, onions, pickles and parsley into the potatoes. Whisk the vinaigrette back together and fold enough of it into the potatoes to generously coat them (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve while still slightly warm, or at room temperature.

Guacamole with Roasted Chile, Cumin, and Feta

Rather than the expected jalapeño, this recipe uses roasted poblano or New Mexico chile for a more rounded flavor. A pinch of cumin, crumbled feta, and crisp slivered radishes flatter the avocado as well.

• 1 small fresh green New Mexico or poblano chile
• 1 medium lime
• 3 medium firm-ripe avocados (6 to 7 oz. each), pitted and peeled
• 3 medium scallions, white and light-green parts only, chopped
• 5 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin, preferably freshly ground
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup medium-diced fresh tomato
• 2 radishes, slivered (about 2 Tbs.)
• 1 Tbs. crumbled feta
• Store bought or homemade corn tortilla chips, for serving

On a gas stove, turn a burner to high and set the chile directly over the flame, turning it with tongs, until completely charred, 5 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, on an electric stove, heat the broiler on high and char the chile on a baking sheet placed directly under the broiler. Put the chile in a bowl, cover, and set aside to steam and loosen the skin. When cool enough to handle, peel, seed, and finely chop.


Finely grate the zest from the lime and then squeeze the juice. Put the avocado in a bowl and coarsely mash with a potato masher. Stir in the lime zest and 2 Tbs. of the lime juice along with the scallions, cilantro, cumin, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Season to taste with salt and lime juice, and then fold in the chile and tomato.


Heap the guacamole into a bowl and garnish it with the radishes and feta. Serve with tortilla chips.

Classic Potato Salad

This classic version of creamy American potato salad combines Yukon Gold potatoes with onion, celery, hard-cooked eggs, and capers in a sour-cream dresing with Champagne vinegar. Create your own customized potato salad with the Recipe Maker.

For the dressing

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. Champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the salad

• 1/4 cup plain rice vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 3-1/2 lb. Yukon Gold  potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 3 large hard-boiled eggs, diced
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced celery (include the leaves, roughly chopped)
• 1 cup small-diced sweet onion
• 3 Tbs. capers

Make the dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.

Make the salad

Combine the rice vinegar and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit to dissolve the salt. Put the potatoes and 2 Tbs. salt in a 6-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the potatoes until barely tender when poked with a fork or skewer, 20 to 25 minutes. If the potatoes aren't all the same size, remove them as they are cooked.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside until just cool enough to handle. Using a paring knife, peel the potatoes by scraping off the skin. Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the vinegar and gently stir with a spatula to coat. With your fingers, pull apart any pieces that are stuck together.

When the potatoes have completely cooled, gently fold the eggs, celery, onion, and capers into the potatoes. Fold in enough dressing to generously coat the potatoes (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cool.

Cilantro-Lime Guacamole

Taste your guacamole as you're making it. Avocados can take a fair amount of lime juice and cilantro, but since both of these ingredients can vary in strength, it's a good idea to taste as you go.

• 2 medium-size ripe avocados
• 2 to 3 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• Pinch ground cumin
• 3 to 4 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp. minced fresh jalapeño 

Halve the avocados, pit them, and scoop the flesh with a large spoon into a small mixing bowl. Sprinkle the 2 Tbs. lime juice over the avocados, add the salt, coriander, and cumin, and use a wooden spoon to break up the avocados, stirring until they're coarsely mashed. Stir in 3 Tbs. of the cilantro and the jalapeño. Taste and add more lime juice, cilantro, and salt as needed. Transfer to a small serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips.

Creamy Crab and Artichoke Dip

Splurge on fresh jumbo lump crabmeat for this tasty dip or, for a less expensive option, use pasteurized “special” crabmeat from the canned seafood aisle (Boss or Chicken of the Sea are good brands). Serve with toast points or water crackers.

• 8 oz. crème fraîche
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 9 oz. thawed frozen artichoke hearts, gently squeezed dry
• 1/3 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/3 cup using a rasp grater)
• 2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb. crabmeat, picked through for shells, drained, and excess liquid squeezed out if canned, or lightly shredded if fresh
• Kosher salt

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Heat the crème fraîche and cream cheese in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet or flameproof baking dish over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and bubbling, about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, chop the garlic. Add the artichoke hearts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Old Bay Seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce; pulse until coarsely chopped. Stir the crab and the artichoke mixture into the hot crème fraîche mixture and season to taste with salt. Broil until browned, about 3 minutes; serve from the baking dish or skillet (with a kitchen towel wrapped around the handle).

Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dogs

At Monterrey-style Mexican restaurants these are made with fat red hot dogs and are called salchichas rojos. In Tucson, they are called Sonoran hot dogs. There are all sorts of variations, but the bacon-wrapped weiner is essential. Look for a small size bolillo or torpedo roll to keep the bread-to-meat ratio in line.

For the Salsa Verde:

• 1 lb. tomatillos, husked and washed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 fresh serrano chiles, seeded and minced
• 1 cup minced sweet onion
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• pinch of sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• sea salt

For the Hot Dogs

• 4 tsp. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Tabasco or other hot sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 all-beef wieners (fat ones work better than long ones)
• 4 slices extra-thin bacon
• 4 torpedo rolls or bolillos
• 4 Tbs. warm refried beans
• 8 Tbs. chopped avocado (or guacamole)
• 4 heaping Tbs. grated Monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• 4 Tbs. chopped onion
• 4 Tbs. chopped tomato
• 4 Tbs. Salsa Verde

Make the Salsa Verde:

Put the cleaned tomatillos in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and allow the tomatillos to soak for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain, and puree the tomatillos in a food processor. Add the cilantro, serranos, onion, garlic sugar, and lime juice to the food processor and pulse three or four times to combine. Season with salt to taste.

Make the Hot Dogs:

Mix the mayo, Tabasco, and lemon juice and use a funnel to put the mayo blend in a squeeze bottle. Wrap the wieners with the bacon slices so the sausage is completely covered. Cook the wieners on a comal or flat top, rolling them over until the bacon is crunchy on all sides, about 7 minutes. Cut a pocket into the buns to form a "boat" and toast them on the grill. When the wieners are cooked, divide the beans and avocado among the four rolls, spooning them inside the pocket and spreading on either side. Spread the cheese down the middle. Using tongs put one piping-hot bacon-wrapped wiener into the pocket of each roll. Top each wiener with onions and tomatoes. Spread the Salsa Verde across the top. Apply the mayo blend in squiggles across the top of the hot dog.

Salty Perro Rojo

With its rosy color and sweet flavor, Texas red grapefruit juice makes an outstanding cocktail. Grapefruit juice and gin is known as a Greyhound, and if you salt the rim of the glass, it’s a Salty Dog. If you substitute tequila for the gin, it’s a Salty Perro. Since the grapefruit juice is red, I call this drink a Salty Perro Rojo.

• Coarse sea salt
• 4 shots freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice
• 1 shot plata tequila

Put the salt in a saucer and wet the rim of a highball glass with grapefruit juice.

Salt the glass by dipping the wet rim in the salt. Fill the salted glass with ice. Add the tequila, then the juice, and stir carefully so as not to mess up the salted rim.

Tequila-Champagne Sangria

This spiked white sangria is one of several served at El Real Tex-Mex Café in Houston. The sparkling wine and soda give it a gentle effervescence, rather than a fierce fizz.

• 3 medium navel oranges, sliced into thin rounds
• 4 medium lemons, sliced into thin rounds
• 4 medium limes, sliced into thin rounds
• 6 large fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup light agave nectar (or simple syrup)
• 3 fl. oz. (6 Tbs.) plata (silver) tequila
• 1 750-ml bottle dry white wine, chilled
• 1 750-ml bottle sparkling wine, chilled
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda

Put the oranges, lemons, limes, and mint in a large plastic container. Pour the agave nectar over the fruit. Add the tequila and mix gently. Add the white wine, cover, and let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Put the fruit mixture in a large drink dispenser or divide among 2 large pitchers. Top off with the sparkling wine and the lemon-lime soda.

Cider & Bacon Baked Beans

• 1 lb. dried Great Northern beans
• 10 oz. thick-cut bacon, medium diced (8 slices)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 6 cups lower-salt chicken broth
• 1-1/2 Tbs. dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and small diced (7-1/2 oz.)
• 1 cup hard apple cider
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 sprigs fresh marjoram
• 2 tsp. cider vinegar (optional)
• Kosher salt

Tip:

Don't have time to soak the beans overnight?
Put them in a 4-quart saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches and bring just to a boil. Remove from the heat and soak for 2 hours. Drain the beans and continue with the recipe.

Sort through the beans to make sure there are no little stones and then put them in a large bowl or pot. Add enough cold water to cover the beans by 2 inches and let soak overnight. Drain the beans well, tilting the colander instead of shaking it to gently extract the water and protect the beans’ skins.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F.

Cook the bacon in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and with a slotted spoon transfer the bacon to a small bowl. Pour off and discard all but 3 Tbs. of the fat.

Set the pot over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 7 minutes. Add the broth, mustard, nutmeg, cloves, and 1 tsp. pepper. Stir to combine. Add the beans and bring just to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and bake until the beans are easy to bite into but still a little mealy in texture, 45 to 60 minutes.

Stir in the reserved bacon and the apple, cider, maple syrup, ketchup, and marjoram, and bake, uncovered, until the beans are fully tender, 30 to 60 minutes more. Cool to room temperature, remove the marjoram stems, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

To finish, bring to a simmer, uncovered, over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer until the sauce is reduced to the consistency of thin gravy, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn’t burn, 40 to 60 minutes. Stir in the vinegar (if using) and season the beans to taste with salt and pepper.

Bourbon-and-Vanilla-Brined Pork Chops

Bourbon has vanilla notes that pair well with smoky grilled pork; here it's enhanced further by the vanilla extract in the brine. For even more smoky flavor, throw some hardwood chips that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes over the coals before grilling these chops (or, for a gas grill, wrap the soaked chips in foil and place over the burner).

For the brine

• 1 oz. kosher salt (1/4 cup if using Diamond Crystal; 2 Tbs. if using Morton)
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 3 T bs. dark brown sugar
• 2 T bs. unsulfured molasses
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 4 bone-in pork rib chops (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick; 2 to 3 lb. total)

For the spice rub

• 1 Tbs. sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbs. kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp. ground dried sage
• 1-1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 tsp. ground cayenne
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

Brine the pork chops

Tip:

It's always a good idea to brine pork before grilling it. It’s a mild, lean meat that needs the extra flavor and moisture that brining provides.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups warm water with the brine ingredients; stir until dissolved. Add 1 cup ice to the bowl and stir to quickly cool the brine to at least 45°F.

Put the chops in a 9x9-inch (or similar size) baking dish and pour the brine over the chops. They should be submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and put on a tray (in case of spills); refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours (3 hours for thinner chops, 4 hours for thicker ones). Remove the chops from the brine (discard the brine), and pat them dry.

Make the spice rub

Combine all of the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl or jar.

Grill the chops

Prepare a gas or charcoal grill fire for indirect cooking over medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F).

Sprinkle 2 to 3 Tbs. total of the spice rub generously over all sides of the chops. Grill the chops over direct heat, flipping once, until dark brown grill marks form on both sides, about 2 minutes per side (move them to indirect heat if any flare-ups occur). Once the chops are well marked, move them to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook until their internal temperature registers 140°F to 145°F on an instant-read thermometer, 4 to 6 minutes more per side. Transfer the chops to a serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Classic Potato Salad

This classic version of creamy American potato salad combines Yukon Gold potatoes with onion, celery, hard-cooked eggs, and capers in a sour-cream dresing with Champagne vinegar. Create your own customized potato salad with the Recipe Maker.

For the dressing

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. Champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the salad

• 1/4 cup plain rice vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 3-1/2 lb. Yukon Gold  potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 3 large hard-boiled eggs, diced
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced celery (include the leaves, roughly chopped)
• 1 cup small-diced sweet onion
• 3 Tbs. capers

Make the dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.

Make the salad

Combine the rice vinegar and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit to dissolve the salt. Put the potatoes and 2 Tbs. salt in a 6-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the potatoes until barely tender when poked with a fork or skewer, 20 to 25 minutes. If the potatoes aren't all the same size, remove them as they are cooked.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside until just cool enough to handle. Using a paring knife, peel the potatoes by scraping off the skin. Cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the vinegar and gently stir with a spatula to coat. With your fingers, pull apart any pieces that are stuck together.

When the potatoes have completely cooled, gently fold the eggs, celery, onion, and capers into the potatoes. Fold in enough dressing to generously coat the potatoes (you may not need all of the dressing). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cool.

Classic Buttermilk Cornbread

This recipe take style cues from both Southern cornbread (baking in a hot, greased skillet), and Northern-style recipes (added flour and sugar). Since traditional cornbread can be dry, making a cornmeal mush and adding a little sour cream to the buttermilk go a long way toward a moist, tender crumb.Leftover cornbread makes a flavorful and versatile base for stuffing. Use our Recipe Maker to create your own stuffing, flavored with anything from mushrooms and pine nuts to dried cranberries and sausage.
For more holiday-worthy sides visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

• 9 oz. (1-3/4 cups) medium-grind stone-ground yellow cornmeal, such as Bob’s Red Mill
• 2-1/4 oz. (1/2 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1-1/2 oz. (3 Tbs.) unsalted butter, cut into a few pieces

Position a rack in the center of the oven and put a 9- to 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9-inch heavy-duty square or round metal baking pan (not nonstick) on the rack. Heat the oven to 425°F.


In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil over high heat. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the cornmeal and the boiling water. Stir to blend—the mixture should become a thick mush.


In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining 1-1/4 cups cornmeal with the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to blend.


Add the buttermilk, sour cream, and eggs to the cornmeal mush and whisk to blend.


When the oven and pan are fully heated (after about 20 minutes), add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until just blended. Do not overmix.


Remove the hot pan from the oven and add the butter pieces, tilting the pan to swirl the butter around until it’s melted and the pan is well coated. (The butter may brown; that’s fine.) Immediately pour the melted butter over the mixed batter and stir to combine—a half-dozen strokes with a wooden spoon should be plenty. Scrape into the hot pan.


Bake until the cornbread pulls away from the sides of the pan and is golden on top, 18 to 20 minutes. Immediately turn the bread out onto a rack. Cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Slow-Cooked Memphis Ribs

Too cold to grill outside? Slow roasting in the oven yields a rib that's just as tender and succulent. Rub the ribs with a zesty spice blend, and you'll swear they came from a backyard BBQ pit.

For the ribs

• 2 full (13-rib) racks of St. Louis-cut pork spareribs (about 3 lb. each)
• Kosher salt

For the Memphis spice rub

• 2-1/2 Tbs. hot chili powder
• 2 Tbs. ground cumin
• 1 Tbs. ground coriander
• 1 Tbs. kosher salt
• 1/2 Tbs. paprika
• 1/2 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne

Tip:

In a small bowl, stir together all the ingredients for the spice rub.

For the barbecue sauce

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• Kosher salt
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato purée
• 2 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 2 Tbs. tomato paste
• 2 Tbs. cider vinegar
• 1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbs. Tabasco sauce
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. hot chili powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F. Sprinkle and press 1/4 cup of the rub on both sides of each rib rack. Put the racks, meaty side up, on a broiling pan or a wire roasting rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly season the ribs with salt and put them in the oven. After the first hour,  rotate the pan every 30 minutes (Note: If you use two baking sheets, switch their position in the oven, too). The ribs will sizzle gently as they cook, and they'll become tender after about 2 hours in the oven.

To test for doneness, pick up the center of the ribs with tongs; the ends of the ribs should flop downward (this means the fat and cartilage have broken down), and a skewer inserted between the ribs should meet little resistance. If the meat between the ribs is still tough, keep cooking, checking every 15 minutes and rotating the pan.

To make the sauce, heat the oil and add the onion to a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Season lightly with salt and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato purée, brown sugar, tomato paste, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, mustard, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne and stir well. Turn down the heat to low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, season to taste with salt, and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will keep for about a week in the refrigerator.  

Remove the rib racks from the oven, put them on a cutting board meaty side down (so they're easier to slice), and slice them into individual ribs. Arrange the ribs on a platter and serve with the sauce on the side.

Fastest Barbecued Chicken

This is easy fare for informal outdoor gatherings. You can make the rub and the sauce up to a day in advance.

• 6 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbs. chile powder
• 2 tsp. dry mustard
• Kosher salt
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, rinsed and patted dry
• 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
• 1/4 cup low-salt soy sauce
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Tabasco or other chipotle hot sauce; more to taste
• Quickest Slaw (optional; see below)

Heat a gas grill to between medium and medium high. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the brown sugar with the chile powder, dry mustard, and 1 Tbs. salt. Spread the chicken thighs on a large baking sheet and rub the spice mix all over them.

In a small saucepan, whisk the remaining 4 Tbs. brown sugar with the ketchup, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard; bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Taste and add a pinch of salt, if needed. Stir in the Chipotle Tabasco, adding more to taste.

Spread the chicken thighs out on the grill, cover, and cook on the first side until they turn a deep reddish brown and begin to blacken in places (they'll also shrink and plump up), 4 to 5 minutes (rotate the thighs once 90 degrees on each side for the most even cooking). Flip the thighs and continue to cook on the second side until they're firm, deeply colored, and slightly blackened in places, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a brush, dab a generous amount of sauce over the top of the chicken, cook for 1 minute, flip, slather the other side with sauce, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat. Arrange on a platter and serve with any remaining sauce and the slaw if you like.

Quickest Slaw

Toss 1/2 head green cabbage, cored and very thinly sliced (about 4 cups), with 3 Tbs. fresh lime juice, 1 tsp. granulated sugar, and 3/4 tsp. kosher salt. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Chipotle Black Bean Dip

Beans provide the creaminess in this healthier-than-you-think dip, which has a smoky, spicy kick. Serve it with fresh-baked corn tortilla chips, homemade pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (1/2 cup)
• 1 medium clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp. ground coriander
• One 15-1/2-oz. can black beans (preferably low-sodium), drained and rinsed
• 2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh cilantro; more for garnish
• 1-1/2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. seeded, minced chipotle chile (from a can of chipotles in adobo)
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and coriander and cook for 30 seconds more. Set aside to cool slightly.


Put the onion mixture, beans, cilantro, lime juice, chipotle, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper, the remaining 1 Tbs. oil, and 1 Tbs. water in a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with more chopped cilantro, and serve.

For more tips on how to use up a can of chipotles in adobo, visit the Test Kitchen blog.

Baked Potato & Leek Soup with Cheddar & Bacon

• 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1/2 lb. each)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2-1/2 cups sliced leeks (about 2 medium leeks; white and light green parts), rinsed well
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 thick slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar (about 1/4 lb.)
• 2 Tbs. thinly sliced scallion greens or chives

Heat the oven to 375ºF. Scrub the potatoes in water, pat dry, and pierce in several places with a fork. Set them directly on an oven rack and bake until very tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the leeks are very tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the bacon in a skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon bits with a slotted spoon to a saucer lined with paper towels to drain and cool.

When the potatoes are cool, cut one of them in half lengthwise. Use a large spoon to scoop the flesh in one piece from each half. Cut the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. Coarsely chop the potato skin and the entire remaining potato and add to the pot with the leeks. Purée the contents of the pot in a blender until very smooth (you'll need to work in two batches). Return the puréed soup to a clean soup pot and reheat over medium low. Whisk together the milk and sour cream until smooth and then whisk this into the soup, along with 1/2 cup of the Cheddar. Stir in the diced potato. The soup should be fairly thick, but if it seems too thick, thin it with a little water. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with the remaining Cheddar, the bacon bits, and the scallions or chives.

Grilled Buffalo Wings

Traditional Buffalo wings are fried, then slathered in a combination of melted butter and Frank’s Red Hot sauce (which is widely available in supermarkets). These wings are grilled rather than fried, which makes them more tailgater-friendly (not to mention a little lighter). The addition of a little chopped rosemary and lemon zest adds another dimension of flavor.

• 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original sauce
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 2 lb. chicken wings (about 10 whole wings), split at the wing joints (discard the wingtips or save for stock)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Oil for the grill

• Creamy Blue Cheese Dip, for serving
• celery sticks, for serving

In a small bowl, whisk the hot sauce, butter, rosemary, and lemon zest.

Heat a gas grill to medium high or prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire. Season the wings with 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Rub the grill grate with oil. Grill the wings, covered on a gas grill or uncovered over a charcoal fire, flipping every couple of minutes, until they’re browned and crisp and completely cooked through, about 20 minutes; if there are flare-ups, move the wings to another part of the grill. If the wings begin to burn at any point, reduce the heat to medium or transfer the wings to a cooler part of the grill.

As the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Stir the sauce and toss with the wings. Serve immediately with the blue cheese dip and plenty of napkins.