Name: New Year's Rice Cake
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound glutinous rice flour (also called sweet rice flour); 1 1/4 cups sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 cup dried cherries; 1/4 cup chopped candied pineapple; 1/4 cup dried dates; 1/4 cup chopped nuts; 3 large organic eggs; 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 cups water; Raisins, nuts, and dried cherries, for decoration

Just as American children anxiously await their Christmas gifts months in advance, I anxiously awaited this scrumptious cake.

Nian-Gao, New Year's cake, is one of the most important holiday dishes in many Asian countries. Eating Nian-Gao during the New Year's celebration is said to bring safety and fortune to the entire family for the coming year, though I now make it for family gatherings throughout the year.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

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

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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