Noelle Carter

Pack a batch of cookbook author Paula Wolfert's prunes in Armagnac into a Mason jar. (Awesome over vanilla ice cream or crepes.) They'll be ready to eat in two weeks: You can include that on the "don't-open-until-Christmas" card. RECIPES: 25 homemade...

La Dijonaise's take on this classic French comfort food sandwich is rich béchamel sauce and ham between two slices of pullman bread, topped with cheese that's melted to gooey perfection. On top of that goes a fried egg (this is what distinguishes the...

Because of their rather tough texture, greens such as kale are often cooked to tenderize them before serving. But gently rubbing a bright vinaigrette onto the cut greens also works to soften their texture, making for a wonderfully fresh salad with crisp,...

The secret to this crisp but succulent chicken? High heat. After sauteing the chicken briefly in a large skillet, the chicken -- skillet and all -- is placed a 500-degree oven. Finish the dish with a pan sauce made from the drippings. A little red wine...

Aromatic vegetables suspended in a rich sauce, maybe a little melted cheese, all of it hidden under a crisp golden brown crust. Behold the glory that is the gratin. One of the oldest dishes in the comfort-food playbook, the gratin is a celebration of lush...

Dear SOS: A while ago, on a visit to Cleveland, our son took us to eat and drink at the Market Garden Brewery. I believe it is near the interesting Garden Market on the near west side of Cleveland. I ordered the sweet potato pie. It was out of this world!...

Rich and creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy lettuce, fried capers, crisp croutons, shredded parmesan and a little lemon vinaigrette. That's how Michael Mina does Caesar at American Fish at Aria in Las Vegas. Sure, the recipe calls for more than a few...

Dinner doesn't get much simpler than a nice helping of sizzling shrimp with a touch of garlic and a sprinkling of hot pepper, and it comes together in less than half an hour. That's just enough time to slice a baguette (to soak up all those amazing...

When you're looking for a dinner idea with a little more substance, but still want to put food on the table fast, you can't go wrong with hash. It's one-pan comfort food -- simple and no fuss. For this recipe, take that leftover chicken in the fridge...

For a slight twist on a classic comfort food, wedge crumbled blue cheese between slices of raisin brioche, along with thinly sliced pear. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is soft and oozing, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. If you have...

So when should you use fresh herbs in a recipe? And when do you go for the dried? It can be a perplexing question, especially if the recipe is not specific. I usually use fresh herbs and spices in recipes where I need them to impart flavor quickly, such...

Beyond the colorful decorations and after the initial rush of sugar, holiday cookies are about memories and tradition. Be they humble or ornate, our baked goods are used to celebrate and give thanks — thanks for our childhoods, the blessings of...