Name: Miniature Almond Cakes with Sugared Cherries and Kirsch Cream
Yield: Makes 20 miniature cakes
Ingredients: 4 large egg yolks; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large egg whites; 4 teaspoons powdered egg whites; 1/4 cup warm water; 3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar; 20 sweet cherries with stems attached; 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream; 1 tablespoon kirsch; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; a 1- to 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter

Image may contain Confectionery Food Sweets Dessert Creme Cream Icing Cake and Pastry

Miniature Almond Cakes with Sugared Cherries and Kirsch CreamMelanie Acevedo

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Cooks' notes:

• Cake rounds (without topping) keep in an airtight container at room temperature 1 day. • Sugared cherries can be made 4 hours ahead and kept at room temperature.

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

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

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

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.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Béchamel Sauce

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