Name: Manchego Quince Paste Napoleons
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Makes 30 to 40 hors d'oeuvres
Ingredients: 1 (1/2-pound) wedge chilled aged Manchego cheese, rind cut off; 1/4 pound chilled quince paste (membrillo), in a block (preferably rectangular); 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and cooled; Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer

Here, a classic Spanish pairing gets reinvented as a bite-size cheese course. We're particularly enamored of the added textural contrast provided by the sliced almonds.

Cooks' notes:

· If the quince paste is difficult to slice thinly, it can be finely chopped, then mashed and spread on cheese layers. · "Napoleons" can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, arranged close together and layered between sheets of plastic wrap, in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Recipe notes

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

Eggplant Roasted in Satay Sauce

Among the top tier of sauces is Indonesian satay sauce, because it is the embodiment of joy and life. In fact, this sauce is also trustworthy and highly respectful of whatever it comes into contact with—perhaps it is, in fact, the perfect friend?

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Baked Butter Paneer

I should address the awkward truth that I don’t use butter here but cream instead. You could, if you’re a stickler for tradition (and not a heretic like me), add a big slab of butter to the finished curry.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.