11 Time Intensive Recipes Perfect for the Long Weekend

Michael Turek

Presidents Day weekend is upon us, and what better way to spend a three-day-weekend in February than by tackling a long recipe—one that requires anywhere from an afternoon to a few a days—that you’ve been meaning to try? Whether it requires a couple rounds of proofing, an overnight marinade or a few hours of chilling, there’s at least one time-intensive dish that’s been on your bucket list for a while. Consider this weekend the perfect time to try that recipe out, and the time it requires your perfect excuse to hunker down and stay inside all day.

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Focaccia with Roasted Squash

Con Poulos

This dough requires some beauty sleep like you do, so start it Friday or Saturday night and enjoy it for the rest of the weekend.

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Cassoulet

Tina Rupp

Nothing says comfort like this white bean-laden French casserole, and this version, featuring duck confit and garlic sausage, is extra hearty and fortifying.

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3 of 12

Croissants

Tara Fisher

You might have a go-to bakery (or four) for picking up buttery croissants, but when you master laminated dough at home, your favorite pastry will be that much closer when you’re in need.

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Crusty White Bread

David Malosh

Looking for a classic loaf? Look no further than this recipe from Chad Robertson of San Francisco’s Tartine Bakery.

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5 of 12

Smoked and Cured Salmon with Orange Zest

David Prince

It maybe time-consuming, but the preparation here is quite simple, and if you don’t have a smoker, this recipe has a trick for improvising one with tools you have on hand.

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6 of 12

Baked Alaska

Between the ice cream, the crust and the assembly, this classic dessert requires a few stages of cooling and resting, but it’s well worth the wait.

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7 of 12

Best-Ever Cold Fried Chicken

Con Poulos

Letting this bird rest in seasoned buttermilk overnight is the first step, but the last—letting it cool off for another night—is the real secret.

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8 of 12

Moody Tongue's Chocolate Cake

Con Poulos

This seriously delicious and gargantuan cake from Chicago brewery Moody Tongue definitely takes time, but each component is surprisingly simple.

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Pastrami-Spiced Gravlax

Ellie Miller

Two layers of seasoning—a rub and glaze—make this elevated deli staple one that will motivate you out of bed on your day off.

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Three-Day Brined Lox with Anise-Herb Sauce

Antonis Achilleos

Or, if you’re looking for something a little less spicy, this lox using the Nordic method of wet brining, is equally as enticing.

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Napa Cabbage Kimchi

Michael Turek

Finally, now’s the perfect time to start that fermentation project that’s been on your mind, so give this kimchi a whirl. You’ll end up putting it on everything.

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11 Time Intensive Recipes Perfect for the Long Weekend

1 of 12

Focaccia with Roasted Squash

2 of 12

Cassoulet

3 of 12

Croissants

4 of 12

Crusty White Bread

5 of 12

Smoked and Cured Salmon with Orange Zest

6 of 12

Baked Alaska

7 of 12

Best-Ever Cold Fried Chicken

8 of 12

Moody Tongue's Chocolate Cake

9 of 12

Pastrami-Spiced Gravlax

10 of 12

Three-Day Brined Lox with Anise-Herb Sauce

11 of 12

Napa Cabbage Kimchi

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11 Time Intensive Recipes Perfect for the Long Weekend

1 of 12

Focaccia with Roasted Squash

2 of 12

Cassoulet

3 of 12

Croissants

4 of 12

Crusty White Bread

5 of 12

Smoked and Cured Salmon with Orange Zest

6 of 12

Baked Alaska

7 of 12

Best-Ever Cold Fried Chicken

8 of 12

Moody Tongue's Chocolate Cake

9 of 12

Pastrami-Spiced Gravlax

10 of 12

Three-Day Brined Lox with Anise-Herb Sauce

11 of 12

Napa Cabbage Kimchi

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