Best CI Recipes?
July 29, 2010 7:49 PM Subscribe
What are the best Cook's Illustrated recipes?
I just got an online subscription to Cook's Illustrated and have spent a good chunk of time going through the archives bookmarking recipes to try. I know their methods can be a bit fussy sometimes, but overall I'm impressed with their consistency and quality. What should I try next?
I just got an online subscription to Cook's Illustrated and have spent a good chunk of time going through the archives bookmarking recipes to try. I know their methods can be a bit fussy sometimes, but overall I'm impressed with their consistency and quality. What should I try next?
The creamy creamless tomato soup recipe is pretty damn awesome.
posted by amber_dale at 7:55 PM on July 29, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by amber_dale at 7:55 PM on July 29, 2010 [3 favorites]
Risotto. Comes out perfect every time.
posted by mmascolino at 7:56 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by mmascolino at 7:56 PM on July 29, 2010
I adore the White Chicken Chili and will be making it again tomorrow night. The Modern Coq au Vin is amazing, too.
Oh and the pie crust recipe that uses vodka really is awesome.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 8:00 PM on July 29, 2010
Oh and the pie crust recipe that uses vodka really is awesome.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 8:00 PM on July 29, 2010
Yeah, if you make the pie crust right people will think you're a genius, and men will worship you (as a minor deity, not a major one, but still).
posted by amtho at 8:02 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by amtho at 8:02 PM on July 29, 2010
My wife just cooked me their chicken tikka masala recipe for my birthday (per my request). Delicious. Even better when leftovers were reheated 2 days later! She's also partial to their filet mignon recipe (as it was one of the first she ever attempted).
posted by BobbyVan at 8:03 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by BobbyVan at 8:03 PM on July 29, 2010
Oh my god, the chicken tikka masala is awesome. Probably one of my favorite recipes ever. It's not quick but it's really, really good.
posted by iminurmefi at 8:06 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by iminurmefi at 8:06 PM on July 29, 2010
Also the french onion soup recipe (I think maybe from the same issue as the chicken tikka!) is stellar. Another one that is a Thanksgiving sort of deal, because it takes like 4 hours from start to finish, but people will rave about the results.
posted by iminurmefi at 8:07 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by iminurmefi at 8:07 PM on July 29, 2010
Their key lime pie, banana bread and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies.
posted by Majorita at 8:09 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by Majorita at 8:09 PM on July 29, 2010
Came in to say the french onion soup, but see that this has already been covered. There was also the standard roast chicken with lemon and thyme, that had some very clear instructions for how to place everything in the pan and a really good rubric for knowing how long and how high to cook your bird that I swore by until I got the hang of it. This may have been a combination of two articles in my mind, though.
posted by Mizu at 8:13 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Mizu at 8:13 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
The date variation of their oatmeal cookies. Their tarte tatin.
posted by Iridic at 8:14 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by Iridic at 8:14 PM on July 29, 2010
Pasta Amatriciana (made it tonight, in fact - simple and wonderful tomato/bacon/onion pasta dish). Crescent rolls (they make the stuff out of the can look like stale generic Wonder bread). Best recipe ever, of all time? Spicy Szechuan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian) - like a rich, spicy, hearty, wonderful Chinese version of chili. I have made literally a hundred batches of the stuff and it's amazing every time.
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:15 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:15 PM on July 29, 2010
Oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies.
Soda bread.
Chicken and dumplings.
posted by exceptinsects at 8:18 PM on July 29, 2010
Soda bread.
Chicken and dumplings.
posted by exceptinsects at 8:18 PM on July 29, 2010
Oh, and their yellow cake - comes together nearly as fast as a boxed mix, and is delectable.
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:20 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:20 PM on July 29, 2010
Skillet Lasagna!
posted by padraigin at 8:21 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by padraigin at 8:21 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
Italian-Style Chicken with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions (May/June 2007)
French Potato Salad (July/August 2002) - excellent if you're not big on mayo
Ground Beef Tacos (May/June 2002) - we're gluttons for punishment and actually fry our own taco shells but the main filling is amazing without this extra insanity.
High-Roast Chicken Perfected (March/April 2000) - great for company you're trying to impress. It's not that hard or time consuming, especially compared to most CI recipes, and it looks and tastes amazing when it comes out.
My husband got me the boxed set for Christmas one year (10 years of the magazine bound by year) and it's great. It comes with an index and it's generally the only cookbook I use now.
posted by victoriab at 8:23 PM on July 29, 2010
French Potato Salad (July/August 2002) - excellent if you're not big on mayo
Ground Beef Tacos (May/June 2002) - we're gluttons for punishment and actually fry our own taco shells but the main filling is amazing without this extra insanity.
High-Roast Chicken Perfected (March/April 2000) - great for company you're trying to impress. It's not that hard or time consuming, especially compared to most CI recipes, and it looks and tastes amazing when it comes out.
My husband got me the boxed set for Christmas one year (10 years of the magazine bound by year) and it's great. It comes with an index and it's generally the only cookbook I use now.
posted by victoriab at 8:23 PM on July 29, 2010
Ditto the Skillet Lasagna suggestion. I got the 30 minute meals book and those recipes are awesome!
posted by victoriab at 8:24 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by victoriab at 8:24 PM on July 29, 2010
Thirding Chicken Tikka Masala. Also Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies.
posted by synchronia at 8:34 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by synchronia at 8:34 PM on July 29, 2010
If I am dusting off my deep fryer the odds are ?90% that it's to make their onion rings. The batter works well for anything else sitting around, too.
2nd the risotto, creamy and very reliable. The "New Best Recipe" tomato soup was too fussy to be worth it for the results, but that is not the "creamless" recipe.
Reading the stuff on stuffing and on grilled cheese sandwiches was worth the time.
posted by kmennie at 8:36 PM on July 29, 2010
2nd the risotto, creamy and very reliable. The "New Best Recipe" tomato soup was too fussy to be worth it for the results, but that is not the "creamless" recipe.
Reading the stuff on stuffing and on grilled cheese sandwiches was worth the time.
posted by kmennie at 8:36 PM on July 29, 2010
I asked the cook of the house and she says lasagna bolognese (I can vouch that it was damn tasty).
posted by ghharr at 8:49 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by ghharr at 8:49 PM on July 29, 2010
Their Mushroom Lasagna, which is an epic pain in the ass, is worth every minute of the two days it takes me to make it.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:56 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by jacquilynne at 8:56 PM on July 29, 2010
Cooks Country did a Lost Recipes contest. Make the Peach Puzzle. It is awesome. The convection pulls all of the syrup into an upside down custard cup. Amazing that this works and tastes great. Peach season is upon us!
posted by zerobyproxy at 8:58 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by zerobyproxy at 8:58 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
I love the Weeknight Bolognese, Pan-roasted chicken breasts, Pan-roasted asparagus, and the Thai Green Curry. I've used one of the chili recipes with great success but every time I want to make it again, I have to go hunting because I can't remember which one I use (i make some changes). And a friend swears by the pork tinga.
posted by devinemissk at 8:59 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by devinemissk at 8:59 PM on July 29, 2010
Seconding the Dan Dan Mian.
Also: The calzone recipe works great every time, and the blueberry scone recipe is absolutely to. die. for.
posted by xil at 9:02 PM on July 29, 2010
Also: The calzone recipe works great every time, and the blueberry scone recipe is absolutely to. die. for.
posted by xil at 9:02 PM on July 29, 2010
Scrambled eggs. No, really. No fancy ingredient changes, but by following their instructions to the letter, I have made the most amazing scrambled eggs ever had over and over again.
posted by grouse at 9:05 PM on July 29, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by grouse at 9:05 PM on July 29, 2010 [3 favorites]
Thick and Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies. Enough said.
posted by Allee Katze at 9:29 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Allee Katze at 9:29 PM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
Thinking about the other recipes I turn to frequently, from back issues of the magazines and from my New Best Recipes and America's Test Kitchen Family cookbook:
Their pasta carbonara recipe is foolproof and simple. A big favorite in my house.
There's a recipe for chicken breasts with lemon and bacon that is really delicious, if a little rich. I want to say it's called "Chicken Breasts With Bacon And Lemon" but that may be too easy, and I'm not sure if there's an ingredient search.
I would second the pasta alla' Amatriciana, it's spicy and good.
There are some good variations on serving kale and other bitter greens, so if those are available, check them out--greens are so good when you can nail the process of cooking them.
A while back the Cook's Country offshoot did a piece on the Juicy Lucy burger, a Minnesota classic, a cheeseburger with the cheese on the inside. It's worth trying if you can't just come to the Twin Cities and taste them for yourself.
There's a recipe for a Belgian beef stew called carbonnade that is fantastic. If the online version doesn't specify what type of beer to use, know that the magazine's top pick was Chimay. There's also great versions of chicken tortilla soup, black bean soup, cheddar soup, and a pretty damn fine mulligatawny that my family thinks is really great (I serve it with basmati rice and the frozen garlic naan from Trader Joe's), and a very good, if not 100% authentic home-cook version of pho, which I believe the magazine called "Vietnamese noodle soup", that is well worth trying.
(Actually, I would highly recommend to anyone that picking up the annual "Soups and Stews" special issue is well worth the premium price of seven or eight bucks when it comes out each fall, because most of the recipes freeze so well that you'll get your money's worth after only a couple recipes.)
The slow-cooker boeuf bourgoignon is better than my French grandmother's, rest her soul. I was skeptical about the tapioca but I am happy to have been wrong about it.
posted by padraigin at 9:35 PM on July 29, 2010
Their pasta carbonara recipe is foolproof and simple. A big favorite in my house.
There's a recipe for chicken breasts with lemon and bacon that is really delicious, if a little rich. I want to say it's called "Chicken Breasts With Bacon And Lemon" but that may be too easy, and I'm not sure if there's an ingredient search.
I would second the pasta alla' Amatriciana, it's spicy and good.
There are some good variations on serving kale and other bitter greens, so if those are available, check them out--greens are so good when you can nail the process of cooking them.
A while back the Cook's Country offshoot did a piece on the Juicy Lucy burger, a Minnesota classic, a cheeseburger with the cheese on the inside. It's worth trying if you can't just come to the Twin Cities and taste them for yourself.
There's a recipe for a Belgian beef stew called carbonnade that is fantastic. If the online version doesn't specify what type of beer to use, know that the magazine's top pick was Chimay. There's also great versions of chicken tortilla soup, black bean soup, cheddar soup, and a pretty damn fine mulligatawny that my family thinks is really great (I serve it with basmati rice and the frozen garlic naan from Trader Joe's), and a very good, if not 100% authentic home-cook version of pho, which I believe the magazine called "Vietnamese noodle soup", that is well worth trying.
(Actually, I would highly recommend to anyone that picking up the annual "Soups and Stews" special issue is well worth the premium price of seven or eight bucks when it comes out each fall, because most of the recipes freeze so well that you'll get your money's worth after only a couple recipes.)
The slow-cooker boeuf bourgoignon is better than my French grandmother's, rest her soul. I was skeptical about the tapioca but I am happy to have been wrong about it.
posted by padraigin at 9:35 PM on July 29, 2010
The Bolognese simmered in milk and wine is amazing. Very authentic.
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:36 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:36 PM on July 29, 2010
Seconding Thick and Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies. I got second place in a cookie baking competition with them once. I added Skor bits the next year and won.
Also, the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Once you get the equipment (a springform pan and a pan big enough to be a bain-marie -- I use a $3 foil turkey roaster), it has phenomenal restaurant-style richness, takes only an hour of preparation, gets better when kept in the fridge overnight and I can buy all three ingredients at my crummy convenience store at 3 AM. Truly, a miracle.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:38 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Once you get the equipment (a springform pan and a pan big enough to be a bain-marie -- I use a $3 foil turkey roaster), it has phenomenal restaurant-style richness, takes only an hour of preparation, gets better when kept in the fridge overnight and I can buy all three ingredients at my crummy convenience store at 3 AM. Truly, a miracle.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:38 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh and the Key Lime Pie made with regular limes. To die for.
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:39 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:39 PM on July 29, 2010
Their chicken piccata is AMAZING. Only thing I need to adjust is the cooking time, which I find they underestimate.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:44 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:44 PM on July 29, 2010
Some of my favorites:
Balsamic Chicken
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Rustic Apple Tart
White Chicken Chili
Tuscan White Bean Soup
posted by sapere aude at 10:44 PM on July 29, 2010
Balsamic Chicken
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Rustic Apple Tart
White Chicken Chili
Tuscan White Bean Soup
posted by sapere aude at 10:44 PM on July 29, 2010
Pot roast, shortcake biscuits (used for peach shortcake originally but that was meh, but the biscuits and whipped cream directions are great for anything), composed salads (all 4 of them), London Broil (crazy fast and perfect every time), Blondies (blonde brownies, but sub butterscotch chips for the white chocolate ones called for). Personally, I can't stand the infamous pie crust, but I've noticed it seems to work brilliantly for people whose crusts never work the more traditional methods and terribly for those who usually don't have a problem. Funny that. Oh, and I tried their white gazpacho and found it pretty awful, sadly. Their Country Captain is pretty good though, especially if you garnish with the rather unusual suggested bananas.
posted by ifjuly at 11:05 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by ifjuly at 11:05 PM on July 29, 2010
Their ratatouille is very fussy but very good. Their ziti is much less fussy and also very good. They also have this weird french fry recipe that starts in cold oil. The end result has an unusual -- not bad, just unusual -- texture, but it's tasty and if you want homemade french fries it's the easiest way to make it happen.
posted by lore at 11:08 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by lore at 11:08 PM on July 29, 2010
Nthing the triple chocolate cookies (the "triple" comes from the presence of dutch-processed cocoa powder, melted baking chocolate in the dough, and chocolate chips... cooked right, they're brownie-like with spots of molten chocolate inside). Also recommend the thick and chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe. These are absolutely the most perfect chocolate chip cookies I've ever tasted, and have always been a hit with others. Just the perfect cookie taste, with the right hints of butter, sugar, salt and vanilla, and a flawless chewy consistency. On the downside, now I'm always disappointed with other chocolate chip cookie I get at any bakery or restaurant.
If you're new to cookie baking, just remember not to overbake! The cookies will be quite soggy when pulled straight the oven, but firm up nicely as they cool.
posted by mnemonic at 11:44 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you're new to cookie baking, just remember not to overbake! The cookies will be quite soggy when pulled straight the oven, but firm up nicely as they cool.
posted by mnemonic at 11:44 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
There are a few recipes that I've integrated into my regular cooking. Of those not already mentioned (the ratatouille and the chicken tikka masala):
The summer vegetable gratin is delicious, and I do recommend at least some of the time consuming veggie demoisturizing steps. You can skimp on the time and the amount of pressing, though, and still wind up with something delicious, just so long as you do let the tomatoes sit out with the salt on them for a while.
I'm also a fan of their pork chops with white wine pan sauce. It's a good primer on a quick pan sauce, and really doesn't need to be followed to the letter. But dry vermouth + shallots + pork dripping is awesome.
posted by Schismatic at 3:22 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
The summer vegetable gratin is delicious, and I do recommend at least some of the time consuming veggie demoisturizing steps. You can skimp on the time and the amount of pressing, though, and still wind up with something delicious, just so long as you do let the tomatoes sit out with the salt on them for a while.
I'm also a fan of their pork chops with white wine pan sauce. It's a good primer on a quick pan sauce, and really doesn't need to be followed to the letter. But dry vermouth + shallots + pork dripping is awesome.
posted by Schismatic at 3:22 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
The baked ziti made with cottage cheese is pretty amazing.
posted by gfrobe at 3:43 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by gfrobe at 3:43 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
I just made the no-mayo Austrian potato salad (I added bacon, though) and pork schnitzel that is on this season of ATK and it was absolutely amazing. Far better than I was expecting! I've tried to make schnitzel before but it wasn't that tasty... this was, and like most of their recipes very clearly and simply laid out.
posted by alaijmw at 4:25 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by alaijmw at 4:25 AM on July 30, 2010
Molasses-Spice Cookies and Snickerdoodles
posted by xsquared-1 at 4:37 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by xsquared-1 at 4:37 AM on July 30, 2010
Our favourites include a lot of comfort food recipes: the High-Roast Butterflied Chicken over Potatoes (roast chicken in 40 minutes); Chicken Pot Pie w/ Buttermilk Biscuits; Chicken Noodle Soup; Carbonnade; Baked Brown Rice; Buttermilk Pancakes; the latest Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies; Shortbread Cookies; Oatmeal Scones; Creme Brulée; & their tweaks to the No-Knead Bread recipe.
I also rely on many of their techniques for roasting meats and making pastry & bread.
posted by Vindaloo at 5:00 AM on July 30, 2010
I also rely on many of their techniques for roasting meats and making pastry & bread.
posted by Vindaloo at 5:00 AM on July 30, 2010
Oh, and I forgot about their braised beef short ribs! They have two versions; the one I use calls for boneless short ribs so you can eat it the same day. I have had many friends over for that particular meal and they all rave about it.
posted by devinemissk at 5:14 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by devinemissk at 5:14 AM on July 30, 2010
Triple Chocolate Cookies++ (I really need to make a batch soon. . .I still get requests for these at work), as well as the Peanut Butter Cookies (with extra vanilla)
posted by dforemsky at 5:43 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by dforemsky at 5:43 AM on July 30, 2010
Green Bean Casserole! It's a lot of work compared to dumping out a bunch of cans, but Oh. My. God. It is sooo good.
posted by dogmom at 6:03 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by dogmom at 6:03 AM on July 30, 2010
Many of my favorites have already been mentioned, but I'll add their blueberry pie, margaritas, refrigerator pickles, and classic drive-in burgers.
posted by TrarNoir at 6:23 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by TrarNoir at 6:23 AM on July 30, 2010
BURGERS OH GOD YES! You may want to read a LOT of the recipes - even ones you don't want to make - just to pick up on techniques. I use Cook's-derived techniques every time I fire up the stove. F'rinstance: their burger recipe uses a pandade (mushed-up bread, milk and spices as a binder for the ground beef). And damned if it doesn't make any burger my mind conjures up AWESOME.
posted by julthumbscrew at 6:42 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by julthumbscrew at 6:42 AM on July 30, 2010
The America's Test Kitchen Beef Burgundy is excellent.
In Julie and Julia, Julie love the original Julia Child boeuf bourguignon. I have never had that, but I understand what they are talking about since I made the ATK version.
posted by I am the Walrus at 6:45 AM on July 30, 2010
In Julie and Julia, Julie love the original Julia Child boeuf bourguignon. I have never had that, but I understand what they are talking about since I made the ATK version.
posted by I am the Walrus at 6:45 AM on July 30, 2010
Really, I have made a lot of their recipes, and they have all been excellent.
posted by I am the Walrus at 6:46 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by I am the Walrus at 6:46 AM on July 30, 2010
Their Cream Scones are my favorite. Super easy and super delicious. The recipe is in a couple of their cookbooks. It's online here too. She says she adapted the recipe but I don't see how.
Their potato salad from The Best Recipe cookbook is AMAZING. It's fiddly and very time consuming, but it's fantastic.
posted by apricot at 6:58 AM on July 30, 2010
Their potato salad from The Best Recipe cookbook is AMAZING. It's fiddly and very time consuming, but it's fantastic.
posted by apricot at 6:58 AM on July 30, 2010
I use their recipe for my Thanksgiving (not stuffed!) turkey with roasted veggies. I have to cook it almost an hour more than their suggested time to get to the right temp, and I have to keep adding lots of water to the roasting veggies below so they don't burn, but once I figured that out, I got rave reviews from everyone. It is totally worth starting upside down and flipping that damn greasy heavy bird around.
posted by misskaz at 7:03 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by misskaz at 7:03 AM on July 30, 2010
2nding their brownies recipe. Always gets rave reviews. I also like their "grown-up mac and cheese" recipe.
posted by aka burlap at 7:16 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by aka burlap at 7:16 AM on July 30, 2010
Their Belgian Carbonade recipe is one of my all time favorite things to eat. I make it 3-4 times a year, usually during the fall and winter. It consists of beef, Belgian beer and onions. I usually try to get an inside blade steak for the beef (which can be difficult to find unless you have a willing butcher) and I'll splurge on a bottle of Chimay "blue" for the beer. Cooking it is usually a 2-3 hour process, but served with egg noodles (fresh homemade if you can) and Brussels sprouts, it is truly wonderful. I use the version in their "Best Recipe" cookbook (2006 edition, I think?).
That said, pretty much everything I've ever made from Cook's Illustrated is really good. While their methods are a bit fussy, following their processes and techniques has made me a better cook many times over.
posted by slogger at 7:50 AM on July 30, 2010
That said, pretty much everything I've ever made from Cook's Illustrated is really good. While their methods are a bit fussy, following their processes and techniques has made me a better cook many times over.
posted by slogger at 7:50 AM on July 30, 2010
While their methods are a bit fussy, following their processes and techniques has made me a better cook many times over.
This is the key. The CI methods have totally informed my cooking and improved my ability to improvise and still be successful. Even if you make substitutions or slight changes, if you follow their methods, you're likely to end up with something that tastes really good.
And yes, their Thanksgiving turkey recipe is my go-to. Since I started making that turkey, I have become the default cook for my whole family at Thanksgiving. (Heck, I've made it at Christmas, too.) Flipping it is a pain, but worth it. (And, from a CI tip: put plastic baggies over your oven mitts when you flip the bird to protect them. I love the tips.)
posted by devinemissk at 8:22 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
This is the key. The CI methods have totally informed my cooking and improved my ability to improvise and still be successful. Even if you make substitutions or slight changes, if you follow their methods, you're likely to end up with something that tastes really good.
And yes, their Thanksgiving turkey recipe is my go-to. Since I started making that turkey, I have become the default cook for my whole family at Thanksgiving. (Heck, I've made it at Christmas, too.) Flipping it is a pain, but worth it. (And, from a CI tip: put plastic baggies over your oven mitts when you flip the bird to protect them. I love the tips.)
posted by devinemissk at 8:22 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
We love all of their Thai chicken dishes. So yummy. But, yeah, I think everything we've made from there is awesome, so just find whatever sorts of dishes you like, and then make their version of it.
posted by katers890 at 8:28 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by katers890 at 8:28 AM on July 30, 2010
From way back there was a spanikopita recipe that will make you famous with all your friends. The potato salad-- the one with a bit of sour cream along with the mayo.
posted by amusebuche at 8:32 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by amusebuche at 8:32 AM on July 30, 2010
Ohohohman, and how could I forget: they have a recipe for fresh okra sauteed in quick tomato sauce that takes less than 10 minutes and is DIVINE. It was the recipe that changed my mind about okra, and their tips for keeping it from being slimy (both by choosing the right pods when you buy and what you do when you prep 'em) are spot on. The red pepper flakes are what make it. I arranged to have this recipe made for my wedding dinner, no lie. It is so good.
In general, their tips for prepping vegetables (salting and draining things like cucumber, how to pick okra, etc.) are excellent.
posted by ifjuly at 8:52 AM on July 30, 2010
In general, their tips for prepping vegetables (salting and draining things like cucumber, how to pick okra, etc.) are excellent.
posted by ifjuly at 8:52 AM on July 30, 2010
I call it Cook's Irritated because of the annoying folksiness of the editor, but I sure loved the magazine for sheer nerdiness for a while. Definitely check out the steel-cut oats recipe. It's an iconic CI recipe because they rethink every element. I have my own variation made without milk:
1/2C steel-cut oats
2 C oatmilk (or half water)
While bringing the oatmilk to a boil in a small saucepan, dry toast the oats in a skillet until they just have that lovely toasted oat smell. Carefully add to simmering oat milk (careful of boil-over here).
Simmer 20 minutes without stirring.
Add salt to taste (I use a good pinch), stir, and let cook 7 minutes more.
Turn off the heat and let it sit a bit (or go ahead and put it over your banana if you like).
posted by Mngo at 9:06 AM on July 30, 2010
1/2C steel-cut oats
2 C oatmilk (or half water)
While bringing the oatmilk to a boil in a small saucepan, dry toast the oats in a skillet until they just have that lovely toasted oat smell. Carefully add to simmering oat milk (careful of boil-over here).
Simmer 20 minutes without stirring.
Add salt to taste (I use a good pinch), stir, and let cook 7 minutes more.
Turn off the heat and let it sit a bit (or go ahead and put it over your banana if you like).
posted by Mngo at 9:06 AM on July 30, 2010
No one has mentioned the Deep Dish Pizza recipe yet?
It comes out perfect with a buttery, flaky crust and the homemade sauce is perfectly balanced. It is far better than any deep dish I have had in a restaurant. ever.
I have impressed at my wife's family's Jewish holiday gatherings with the challah and rugelach recipes. I challenge you to make the rugelach and not eat 8 of them before they are even finished cooling off. With all the cream cheese, sugar, butter, jam, and chocolate they are probably the single most unhealthy thing I have ever cooked
posted by Crashback at 10:02 AM on July 30, 2010
It comes out perfect with a buttery, flaky crust and the homemade sauce is perfectly balanced. It is far better than any deep dish I have had in a restaurant. ever.
I have impressed at my wife's family's Jewish holiday gatherings with the challah and rugelach recipes. I challenge you to make the rugelach and not eat 8 of them before they are even finished cooling off. With all the cream cheese, sugar, butter, jam, and chocolate they are probably the single most unhealthy thing I have ever cooked
posted by Crashback at 10:02 AM on July 30, 2010
Roasted potatoes.
Scrambled eggs.
Pizza crust.
Roast chicken.
Roasted mushrooms
posted by pyjammy at 10:11 AM on July 30, 2010
Scrambled eggs.
Pizza crust.
Roast chicken.
Roasted mushrooms
posted by pyjammy at 10:11 AM on July 30, 2010
Among the things I've made, repeatedly and with great satisfaction:
Almost no-knead bread
Flourless chocolate cake
Pork chops
Lamb shanks
Catfish in Vietnamese caramel sauce
Turkey burgers
Guacamole
Hummus
Chicken under a brick
Sauteed shrimp
posted by Clambone at 10:25 AM on July 30, 2010
Almost no-knead bread
Flourless chocolate cake
Pork chops
Lamb shanks
Catfish in Vietnamese caramel sauce
Turkey burgers
Guacamole
Hummus
Chicken under a brick
Sauteed shrimp
posted by Clambone at 10:25 AM on July 30, 2010
The poached egg technique totally blew my husband's mind.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:30 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:30 AM on July 30, 2010
Some of my favorites (I cook out of the Best Recipes cookbook 90% of the time):
Pot roast, beef stew, meat loaf, blueberry pancakes, spinach lasagna, various soups (chicken noodle, potato + leek, drop biscuits.
posted by seventyfour at 10:34 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Pot roast, beef stew, meat loaf, blueberry pancakes, spinach lasagna, various soups (chicken noodle, potato + leek, drop biscuits.
posted by seventyfour at 10:34 AM on July 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
Seriously, no one has yet mentioned the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake? It is legend in my circle. I have also been making the skillet backed ziti - and it is a one pan, weeknight dinner wonder.
posted by Wolfie at 11:23 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by Wolfie at 11:23 AM on July 30, 2010
Lasagna
Gazpacho
Beef Brisket
I believe they taught me why pancake batter works and why you should stir only until it loosely comes together (not until smooth).
posted by xammerboy at 12:27 PM on July 30, 2010
Gazpacho
Beef Brisket
I believe they taught me why pancake batter works and why you should stir only until it loosely comes together (not until smooth).
posted by xammerboy at 12:27 PM on July 30, 2010
The Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the best I've ever had. It is seriously fantastic. A little bit fussy, yes, but sooooo worth it. I can't fry chicken to save my life, but thanks to CI I can chicken-fry a steak like a champ.
posted by Shohn at 12:38 PM on July 30, 2010
posted by Shohn at 12:38 PM on July 30, 2010
Tall and Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits. No rolling pin required, it's basically a dump and stir recipe that turns out every time. They use a novel technique of scooping out a VERY soft wet dough with a scoop or cup, rolling it flour, and their all crowded into a round cake pan, touching each other. The only way they have to grow is UP--which they do. Basted in melted butter, they come out golden, craggy and crisp on top, inside they are fluffy, light, and redolent of tangy buttermilk. This is my favorite biscuit, particularly for sausage gravy, which the fluffy interior absorbs wonderfully. (Maybe a little too tender for making biscuit sandwiches.)
posted by ViolaGrinder at 12:59 PM on July 30, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by ViolaGrinder at 12:59 PM on July 30, 2010 [2 favorites]
Chewy chocolate chip cookies +1. I've also made their madeleines and cream-cheese brownies. Every one's a winner.
Their Oven-Fried Chicken is an astounding recipe. I don't have a deep fryer, so whenever I'm craving fried chicken, that's the recipe I go to.
Their Master Technique for Fruit Sorbets works really well too. REALLY well.
posted by Pallas Athena at 3:10 PM on July 30, 2010
Their Oven-Fried Chicken is an astounding recipe. I don't have a deep fryer, so whenever I'm craving fried chicken, that's the recipe I go to.
Their Master Technique for Fruit Sorbets works really well too. REALLY well.
posted by Pallas Athena at 3:10 PM on July 30, 2010
Their crumb cake is completely New York-authentic. Cake is moist and the topping is generous and not overly cinnamon-y.
posted by wryly at 3:11 PM on July 30, 2010
posted by wryly at 3:11 PM on July 30, 2010
Their French toast recipe is amazing...the addition of flour to the batter makes the toast almost seem deep fried.
Other than that, strawberry shortcake, spaghetti carbonara, roast chicken, pork rubs, and everything else are amazing.
posted by ms.v. at 3:18 PM on July 30, 2010
Other than that, strawberry shortcake, spaghetti carbonara, roast chicken, pork rubs, and everything else are amazing.
posted by ms.v. at 3:18 PM on July 30, 2010
I'm usually loading up CooksIllustrated.com to look up pan sauce recipes (such as the sauce in Sauteed Pork Chops with White Wine Pan Sauce, or the Garlic Thyme Pan Sauce), either to follow exactly or get creative with.
Other CI recipes I love so much I have memorized and rarely need to look up anymore:
Roast Salted Turkey, which has become my family's Thanksgiving tradition. I get grumbles and pouts if I try to do anything different with the turkey
Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Ultimate Cream of Tomato Soup
Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Baked Four-Cheese Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas
Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
posted by rhiannonstone at 4:09 PM on July 30, 2010
Other CI recipes I love so much I have memorized and rarely need to look up anymore:
Roast Salted Turkey, which has become my family's Thanksgiving tradition. I get grumbles and pouts if I try to do anything different with the turkey
Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Ultimate Cream of Tomato Soup
Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Baked Four-Cheese Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas
Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
posted by rhiannonstone at 4:09 PM on July 30, 2010
8thing the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies. I made their beef tenderloin with a horseradish crust for my family holiday meal last year and it was deee lishus.
posted by sideofwry at 8:38 AM on July 31, 2010
posted by sideofwry at 8:38 AM on July 31, 2010
Beer-can chicken, from the grilling book. We like the cilantro-citrus wet rub. Also the French potato salad.
posted by libraryhead at 6:58 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by libraryhead at 6:58 PM on August 1, 2010
CI's Quick Tomato Sauce is incredibly good and quite easy to prepare.
posted by archagon at 2:00 AM on August 2, 2010
posted by archagon at 2:00 AM on August 2, 2010
I don't think anyone's mentioned the Chicken Marsala yet. It's fabulous and not-too-difficult.
posted by halfguard at 10:49 AM on August 2, 2010
posted by halfguard at 10:49 AM on August 2, 2010
I have blown the tastebuds of many people with my New York-Style Cheesecake.
posted by KathyK at 7:37 AM on August 3, 2010
posted by KathyK at 7:37 AM on August 3, 2010
Best answer: I did this for myself, but thought it might be useful to others. Sorry no links, and there are probably still duplicates as I'm not familiar with all the actual recipe names and variations. I consolidated recommendations as best I could.
Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar
Almost No-Knead Bread +1
America's Test Kitchen Beef Burgundy
Baked Brown Rice
Baked Four-Cheese Pasta With Prosciutto And Peas
Baked Ziti Made With Cottage Cheese
Balsamic Chicken
Banana Bread
Beef Brisket
Beef Stew
Beef Tenderloin With A Horseradish Crust
Beer-Can Chicken
Black Bean Soup
Blondies
Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry Scone Recipe
Boeuf Bourguignon
Bolognese Simmered In Milk And Wine
Braised Beef Short Ribs (Boneless)
Brownies
Buttermilk Pancakes
Calzone
Carbonnade (Belgian Beef Stew) +2
Catfish In Vietnamese Caramel Sauce
Challah
Cheddar Soup
Chewy Brownies
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chicken And Dumplings
Chicken Breasts With Lemon And Bacon
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Noodle Soup +1
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Pot Pie W/ Buttermilk Biscuits
Chicken Tikka Masala +3
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Under A Brick
Chicken With 40 Cloves Of Garlic
Cilantro-Citrus Wet Rub
Classic Drive-In Burgers
Coconut Creme Pie
Composed Salads
Country Captain
Cream Scones
Cream-Cheese Brownies
Creamy Creamless Tomato Soup
Creme Brulée
Crescent Rolls
Crumb Cake
Deep Dish Pizza
Drop Biscuits
Filet Mignon
Flourless Chocolate Cake +1
French Fry Recipe That Starts In Cold Oil
French Onion Soup +1
French Potato Salad (July/August 2002) +1
French Toast
Fresh Okra Sauteed In Quick Tomato Sauce
Fruit Sorbets
Gazpacho
Green Bean Casserole
Ground Beef Tacos (May/June 2002)
Grown-Up Mac And Cheese
Guacamole
High-Roast Butterflied Chicken Over Potatoes
High-Roast Chicken Perfected (March/April 2000)
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Hummus
Italian-Style Chicken With Sausage Peppers And Onions (May/June 2007)
Juicy Lucy Burger
Key Lime Pie +1
Lamb Shanks
Lasagna
Lasagna Bolognese
London Broil
Madeleines
Margaritas
Meat Loaf
Modern Coq Au Vin
Molasses-Spice Cookies
Mulligatawny
Mushroom Lasagna
New York-Style Cheesecake
No-Mayo Austrian Potato Salad
Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Oatmeal Cookies (Variation With Dates)
Oatmeal Scones
Onion Rings
Oven-Fried Chicken
Pan-Roasted Asparagus
Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts
Pasta Amatriciana +1
Pasta Carbonara
Peach Puzzle
Peanut Butter Cookies
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies +2
Pie Crust +2
Pizza Crust
Poached Eggs
Pork Chops
Pork Chops With White Wine Pan Sauce
Pork Rubs
Pork Schnitzel
Pork Tinga
Pot Roast +1
Potato Leek Soup
Potato Salad (The Best Recipe Cookbook)
Quick Tomato Sauce
Ratatouille +1
Refrigerator Pickles
Rich And Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Risotto +1
Roast Chicken +1
Roast Chicken With Lemon And Thyme
Roast Salted Turkey
Roasted Mushrooms
Roasted Potatoes
Rugelach
Rustic Apple Tart
Sauteed Shrimp
Scrambled Eggs +1
Shortbread Cookies
Shortcake Biscuits
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Skillet Baked Ziti
Skillet Lasagna +1
Slow-Cooker Boeuf Bourgoignon
Smashed Potatoes
Snickerdoodles
Soda Bread
Spaghetti Carbonara
Spanikopita
Spicy Szechuan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian) +1
Spinach Lasagna
Steel-Cut Oats
Strawberry Shortcake
Summer Vegetable Gratin
Tall And Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits
Tapioca
Tarte Tatin
Thai Green Curry
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Thanksgiving Turkey With Roasted Veggies (Not Stuffed)
The Potato Salad (With Sour Cream & Mayo)
Thick And Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie
Thick And Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies +3
Turkey Burgers
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Ultimate Cream Of Tomato Soup
Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pho)
Weeknight Bolognese
White Chicken Chili +1
Yellow Cake
Ziti
posted by peep at 11:02 AM on August 3, 2010 [4 favorites]
Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar
Almost No-Knead Bread +1
America's Test Kitchen Beef Burgundy
Baked Brown Rice
Baked Four-Cheese Pasta With Prosciutto And Peas
Baked Ziti Made With Cottage Cheese
Balsamic Chicken
Banana Bread
Beef Brisket
Beef Stew
Beef Tenderloin With A Horseradish Crust
Beer-Can Chicken
Black Bean Soup
Blondies
Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry Scone Recipe
Boeuf Bourguignon
Bolognese Simmered In Milk And Wine
Braised Beef Short Ribs (Boneless)
Brownies
Buttermilk Pancakes
Calzone
Carbonnade (Belgian Beef Stew) +2
Catfish In Vietnamese Caramel Sauce
Challah
Cheddar Soup
Chewy Brownies
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chicken And Dumplings
Chicken Breasts With Lemon And Bacon
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Noodle Soup +1
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Pot Pie W/ Buttermilk Biscuits
Chicken Tikka Masala +3
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Under A Brick
Chicken With 40 Cloves Of Garlic
Cilantro-Citrus Wet Rub
Classic Drive-In Burgers
Coconut Creme Pie
Composed Salads
Country Captain
Cream Scones
Cream-Cheese Brownies
Creamy Creamless Tomato Soup
Creme Brulée
Crescent Rolls
Crumb Cake
Deep Dish Pizza
Drop Biscuits
Filet Mignon
Flourless Chocolate Cake +1
French Fry Recipe That Starts In Cold Oil
French Onion Soup +1
French Potato Salad (July/August 2002) +1
French Toast
Fresh Okra Sauteed In Quick Tomato Sauce
Fruit Sorbets
Gazpacho
Green Bean Casserole
Ground Beef Tacos (May/June 2002)
Grown-Up Mac And Cheese
Guacamole
High-Roast Butterflied Chicken Over Potatoes
High-Roast Chicken Perfected (March/April 2000)
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Hummus
Italian-Style Chicken With Sausage Peppers And Onions (May/June 2007)
Juicy Lucy Burger
Key Lime Pie +1
Lamb Shanks
Lasagna
Lasagna Bolognese
London Broil
Madeleines
Margaritas
Meat Loaf
Modern Coq Au Vin
Molasses-Spice Cookies
Mulligatawny
Mushroom Lasagna
New York-Style Cheesecake
No-Mayo Austrian Potato Salad
Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Oatmeal Cookies (Variation With Dates)
Oatmeal Scones
Onion Rings
Oven-Fried Chicken
Pan-Roasted Asparagus
Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts
Pasta Amatriciana +1
Pasta Carbonara
Peach Puzzle
Peanut Butter Cookies
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies +2
Pie Crust +2
Pizza Crust
Poached Eggs
Pork Chops
Pork Chops With White Wine Pan Sauce
Pork Rubs
Pork Schnitzel
Pork Tinga
Pot Roast +1
Potato Leek Soup
Potato Salad (The Best Recipe Cookbook)
Quick Tomato Sauce
Ratatouille +1
Refrigerator Pickles
Rich And Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Risotto +1
Roast Chicken +1
Roast Chicken With Lemon And Thyme
Roast Salted Turkey
Roasted Mushrooms
Roasted Potatoes
Rugelach
Rustic Apple Tart
Sauteed Shrimp
Scrambled Eggs +1
Shortbread Cookies
Shortcake Biscuits
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Skillet Baked Ziti
Skillet Lasagna +1
Slow-Cooker Boeuf Bourgoignon
Smashed Potatoes
Snickerdoodles
Soda Bread
Spaghetti Carbonara
Spanikopita
Spicy Szechuan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian) +1
Spinach Lasagna
Steel-Cut Oats
Strawberry Shortcake
Summer Vegetable Gratin
Tall And Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits
Tapioca
Tarte Tatin
Thai Green Curry
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Thanksgiving Turkey With Roasted Veggies (Not Stuffed)
The Potato Salad (With Sour Cream & Mayo)
Thick And Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie
Thick And Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies +3
Turkey Burgers
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Ultimate Cream Of Tomato Soup
Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pho)
Weeknight Bolognese
White Chicken Chili +1
Yellow Cake
Ziti
posted by peep at 11:02 AM on August 3, 2010 [4 favorites]
Please post the actual recipes here. Because I want things for free.
posted by mecran01 at 3:40 PM on August 4, 2010
posted by mecran01 at 3:40 PM on August 4, 2010
The New Best Recipe has many of these and should be available at your local library for free.
posted by grouse at 3:53 PM on August 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by grouse at 3:53 PM on August 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by gingerbeer at 7:55 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]