Name: Floating Islands
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise; 2 cups whole milk; 6 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 cups whole milk; 4 large egg whites; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water

Image may contain Bowl Food Custard Dessert Creme Cream Dish and Meal

Floating IslandsBrian Leatart

Îles flottantes, puffy clouds of softly poached meringue floating on a vanilla custard sauce, may look ethereal on the plate, but this is really a homey French farmhouse dessert. It was probably devised to make ingenious use of fresh farm eggs and milk, plus a little sugar.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

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.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

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

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.