Meal Prep

Can you fall in love with bread crumbs? I did when I first tried panko, the coarse Japanese bread crumbs that are also airier than Western kinds, and therefore make the most delicate crusts; they also fry to a gorgeous golden brown. I've long used panko for all my breading and found it superior even to homemade crumbs made with good bread. Here, I've flavored panko with thyme, basil, ginger, and chile heat, which makes the crumbs a really exciting ingredient and one you'll use often. The flavored crumbs also store beautifully.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 4 hr

Beurre composé, or compound butter—butter creamed with various flavorings—is a classic French accompaniment, used to top anything from broiled steak or fish to steamed vegetables. Compound butter can be frozen and a few slices cut off whenever the need arises.

This sauce hardens into a chewy candy when poured over ice cream. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

The juices from any roast—poultry or meat—caramelize in the pan, leaving a residue of brown glaze with intense flavor. In the process called "deglazing," we melt these brown bits in hot liquid (wine, stock, and/or water), to create a quick sauce of concentrated natural essences. Make this pan sauce for either of our roast chickens.

Ghee Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 12 hr (includes chilling)

In this modified version of the Middle Eastern garbanzo bean dip, yogurt is used to replace some of the high-fat tahini (sesame seed paste). The dip is great with fresh vegetables or toasted pita bread wedges. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to prepare Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad with Caesar Dressing . This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.