Name: Strawberry Shortcakes with Vanilla-Orange Syrup
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large egg yolks and 2 large egg whites; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/3 cup water; 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated fresh orange zest (from 2 oranges); 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 pint strawberries (3/4 lb); 1/4 cup chilled heavy cream; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 tablespoons sour cream; Special equipment: a 3- to 3 1/4-inch round cookie cutter

Image may contain Plant Fruit Food Strawberry Creme Cream Dessert Confectionery Sweets and Whipped Cream

Strawberry Shortcakes with Vanilla-Orange SyrupRita Maas

Strawberries marinated in a vanilla-orange syrup add a new twist to these sponge-cake shortcakes.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish : 2 1/2 hr

Cooks' note:

• Cake may be baked 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

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.