Yin-Yang Tang Yuan (Sweet Sticky Rice Balls in Soup)
This soothing, sweet Chinese dessert soup of rice flour dough balls stuffed with black sesame seeds in a rock sugarāsweetened broth is typically served during reunions because the round rice balls symbolize harmony and togetherness. Lucky Chow producer Danielle Chang likes to make it as a sweet treat for her Lunar New Year celebration. To keep the dough moistened throughout the assembly process, cover it with a damp towel.
Sausage and Red Onion Sheet Pan Quiche
At Convivial in Washington, D.C., Cedric Maupillierās foot-long quiche takes this breakfast classic to the next level. This version, prepared in a rimmed baking sheet, makes plenty for the whole family.
Poulet MafƩ
In Senegal at the Keur Moussa monastery, a typical meal includes poulet mafĆ©, a thick peanut sauce with chicken, root vegetables, and cabbage served over rice, fonio, or millet couscous. For chef Pierre Thiam, poulet mafĆ© is the ultimate comfort food. His advice: āBe patient when cooking mafĆ©. Let the stew simmer slowly until the oil rises to the surface.ā Creamy peanut butter adds body and nuttiness to this savory chicken dish, balancing the aromatic ginger, garlic, and tomato paste. Thiam's version uses fish sauce, which brings a subtle umami that adds complexity to the stew.
Spiced Sweet-and-Sour Ribs
Rubbed with toasted ground spices then lacquered with a sweet and tangy glaze of maple syrup and a duo of vinegars, these meaty ribs have a deep flavor and an irresistibly crackly crust. To work ahead, you can roast the ribs the day before then glaze and broil them just before serving. Trimming the meat away from one end of each rib lets the meat pull away during cooking, creating handles that make for mess-free nibbling.
Erbazzone Reggiano (Emilian Spinach and Cheese Pie)
Flavorful and filling with a light, almost cracker-like crust, this rustic spinach pie relies on simple ingredients for an impressive finish. Because the spinach gently steams within the crust, it retains its fresh, verdant flavor even after cooking.