Buttermilk

Allowing the batter to chill overnight gives the yeast time for a long, slow rise, which makes the waffles light and crisp and develops their malty flavor. Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 9 hr

This recipe was inspired by the irresistible onion rings served at two classic New York City restaurants, Lindy's and Junior's. We tested the rings with both vegetable shortening and oil; although both yield a crisp, crunchy coating, our food editors preferred the fuller flavor the shortening imparts. For dramatic effect, we only used the larger rings of the onion, but feel free to use the smaller ones, too. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Taller, heavier-weight paper molds — typically used for individual panettone, the Italian holiday bread — are used instead of regular muffin papers to create a more elegant look. Vanilla and Almond Frosting is an accompaniment for this recipe.

Using frozen blueberries in the batter will keep the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the pan as the cake bakes.

You can use these pancakes for the caviar pancakes and save the remaining batter for breakfast. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Tender Iowa corn was the inspiration for these terrific biscuits. They are best eaten the day they are baked; extras can be warmed up the next morning for breakfast or brunch. Be sure to serve them with plenty of butter.

Whenever you serve this lightly spiced, moist buttermilk layer cake you'll turn dessert into a celebration. The spices in the cake mellow as it stands, so it's even better the day after baking.

Moist, with subtle heat from the chipotles.

This recipe makes more dressing than you'll need. The remainder makes a great everyday dressing for any type of green salad, or a delicious dip for chicken wings or raw vegetables.

A sure-fire way to get the kids to eat their vegetables—and chips, of course.

Cornmeal gives these blini a slightly crunchy texture that is perfect with the salsa.

An old-fashioned cake gets a new treatment: Some of the trimmed cake crumbs are mixed with chocolate-cookie crumbs and pressed onto the frosting. Fresh raspberries are the colorful crowning touch.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

The big, All-American layer cake returns. Think pancakes and syrup, all dressed up. Buttermilk makes the cake moist, and maple-walnut candy provides the crunch.

Every year for nearly twenty years Gourmet's production director baked this cake for our mailroom manager on his birthday. Suffice it to say that this delectable dessert has stood the test of time.