I’ve done the testing.
You get the winners.

Artisan Dutch Oven Bread

A stand-mixer loaf using three flours and yogurt, baked first in a covered Dutch oven and then directly on the oven rack.

Justin’s verdictSimple bread baking that turns out perfect every time I've made it.

Best Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Tri-tip strips, mushrooms, and onions simmered in a broth-based sauce finished with sour cream and served over egg noodles.

Justin’s verdictI never appreciated stroganoff or even thought I liked it until I tried this recipe. SOLID!

Bo Kho: Spicy Vietnamese Beef Stew with Noodles

Beef braised with lemongrass, fish sauce, spices, coconut water, and carrots, served over noodles with fresh herbs.

Justin’s verdictI made this on a whim one day years ago and it blew my mind. It gets made about once every 2 months still.

Cajun Baked Cod Recipe

Cod portions baked with melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning.

Justin’s verdictCan't ever go wrong with these flavors!

Chicken Tikka Masala

Yogurt-marinated chicken is browned under the broiler and finished in a spiced tomato-and-cream sauce.

Justin’s verdictClassic Indian dish. This is an absolutely excellent version of this.

French Toast

Bread dipped in a cinnamon, nutmeg, egg, milk, and vanilla mixture, then pan-fried in butter and served with maple syrup.

Justin’s verdictMy girls LOVE French toast and this classic version is one of their favorites.

Homemade Buttery Flaky Pie Crust

A chilled butter-and-shortening pastry dough yielding two pie crusts; baking follows the recipe for the finished pie.

Justin’s verdictThe perfect pie crust. Quick and easy!

Homemade Naan

A yeast-and-yogurt flatbread cooked in a dry skillet and brushed with melted salted butter.

Justin’s verdictShe knows her stuff! These turn out amazing every time.

Jack Daniel’s Maple Brown Sugar Turkey Brine

A sweet and savory maple brown sugar brine with soy sauce, thyme, garlic, and Jack Daniel's whiskey—my all-time favorite for turkey breasts and Thanksgiving birds.

Justin’s verdictThis is the turkey brine I come back to again and again. I make it for turkey breasts throughout the year and for the big Thanksgiving turkey.

Cooking notes: For turkeys up to 16 pounds in a brining bag. Brine overnight, then pat dry and refrigerate uncovered for 12 to 24 hours. Do not use on kosher, enhanced, self-basting, or pre-basted turkey.

Mexican-style Pork Tacos (Tacos Al Pastor)

Marinated pork shoulder is stacked with pineapple, roasted, and sliced for corn tortillas.

Justin’s verdictOne of my all time favorite Mexican flavors. This recipe is excellent.

Pambazos (Mexican Salsa-Dunked Sandwiches)

Guajillo-coated rolls are pan-fried and filled with chorizo, potatoes, beans, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

Justin’s verdictThis specialized sauce drenched torta is the absolute best way to enjoy a sandwich. This recipe presents them perfectly. Hands down one of the best tortas I've ever ate.

Pork & Holy Basil Stir-fry (Pad Kra Pao)

Ground pork stir-fried with shallots, garlic, chilies, savory sauces, and holy basil.

Justin’s verdictOne of my all time favorite dishes. Thai basil works in a pinch if holy basil is hard to find. Sometimes I even prefer using the other.

Red Potato and Shishito Pepper Hash

Roasted red potatoes are crisped in a skillet with shishito peppers, coated with Sriracha mayonnaise, and finished with queso fresco and scallions.

Justin’s verdictthere's something amazing about the flavor of the blistered shishitos combined with the potatoes and that delicious sauce.