January 2010

This batter is very adaptable: If you want savory crêpes, simply omit the sugar. For flavored crêpes, replace the vanilla with a flavored extract such as almond, a liquor like rum or brandy, or a flavored liquor such as Kirsch or Amaretto.

Crêpes freeze well—you can make a big batch and stack them, separated by sheets of waxed paper, in a tightly sealed container or plastic bag. Stored this way, they'll keep for several months. Allow them to defrost at room temperature, then reheat as described in the do-ahead instructions below.

What are crepes? View definition.

Dark leafy greens are the most nutrient-dense foods. That means that they contain more beneficial micronutrients per calorie than any other food, providing incredible nutritional bang for your buck, and in this case they're ready, and very tasty, in less than 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges for even more flavor.

Drizzle this tangy dressing over green salads or steamed veggies.

Cutting up a whole chicken is both economical and easy. (For a video of food editor Ian Knauer cutting up a chicken, visit gourmet.com.) Here, the pieces are simply tossed with spices and sweet onion before going into the oven. 

Recipes using condensed soup and frozen broccoli may move products off supermarket shelves, but they turn this dish into a gluey mess. We set out to revive what ought to be an irresistible casserole. Here’s what we discovered: Instead of canned soup, we used half-and-half cut with a bit of chicken broth to add flavor. We also added extra-sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan. To maximize broccoli flavor, we used both the stalks and the florets. Since stalks take longer to cook than florets, we sautéed chopped stalks in butter with onion, then added rice and liquids.

Why you'll make it: Because it's the perfect pasta dish — few ingredients, easy prep, big flavors.

It’s possible to travel the world and never leave home, all with a baked potato and something stuffed into it. Add zucchini, feta, and oregano for a Greek dinner; spicy black beans with tomatoes for Tex-Mex; and diced pepperoni and marinara sauce for an Italian variation. For kids, try broccoli trees and lots of grated cheese. Toaster ovens make baking potatoes easy and it’s possible to cook a couple at a time without heating up the kitchen. When the potatoes are tender, cut them in half to make ballet slippers, scoop out the flesh, and pile them high with filling.