Name: Asparagus Cigars
Yield: Makes 24 hors d'oeuvres
Ingredients: 24 medium asparagus (1 lb); 12 (7-inch) flour tortillas (not low-fat); 1 large egg, beaten with a pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds; About 2 cups vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 scallion, finely chopped; wooden picks; a deep-fat thermometer

These crisp, crunchy hors d'oeuvres are sure to turn heads at your next party.

Cooks' note:

To take the temperature of a shallow amount of oil with a metal flat-framed deep-fat thermometer, put bulb of thermometer in skillet. Turn thermometer facedown, resting other end (not plastic handle) against rim of skillet. Check temperature frequently.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Béchamel Sauce

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

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki

Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

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

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.