Name: Nana Edie's Devil's Food Cake
Cook time: 1 1/2 hr
Total time: 3 1/4 hr
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 1/2 cup milk (not nonfat); 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar; 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 cup water; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped; 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 teaspoon vanilla

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Creme Icing Cream and Torte

Nana Edie's Devil's Food CakeAnna Williams

This recipe, all the rage at the turn of the previous century, makes the quintessential layer cake—old-fashioned and toothsome.

Cooks' note:

The old-fashioned frosting will have a slightly grainy texture, like some types of fudge.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.