The autumn equinox is still a few weeks a way, but with Labor Day weekend marking the traditional end of summer, it was another week of transitions. In most places, the days of dining al fresco are numbered, with this perhaps being the last chance for one final outdoor grilling blowout. Meanwhile, ovens are being turned back on, as we can see by the fact that these simple, classic scones were this week's most popular recipe.
1. Basic Scones with Dried Currants
Photo © Daniel Robert Cohn
These simple scones are light, flaky and buttery, and there are endless variations on this basic recipe. They're perfect for breakfasts, brunches, afternoon tea — and best of all, they're absolutely moist and delicious.
2. Roasted Tomato Ketchup Recipe
Photo © C.P. Storm
If you grow your own tomatoes, you know that this time of year brings an abundance of them. This recipe for tomato ketchup is a great way to use the ones you can't eat right away. It uses roasted tomatoes for extra depth of flavor, as well as three kinds of vinegar. Just in time for one last Labor Day cookout!
3. Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara
Photographed by Mattes Boch
Spaghetti Carbonara is one of the most popular Italian pasta dishes. This version combines cream, eggs, cheese and bacon. The traditional Italian version omits the cream, but most people in the states are accustomed to having a bit of cream in their carbonara, so we're happy to oblige.
4. Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Photo © Danilo Alfaro
Again with the ovens and the baking. This moist banana bread recipe helps put overripe bananas, that would otherwise be destined for the garbage, to good use, making it a great recipe for anyone who likes to be frugal.
5. Sautéed Tilapia with Bacon & Baby Tomatoes
Photo © Danilo Alfaro
If you're not familiar with tilapia, this recipe will make a believer out of you. Bacon, grape tomatoes, capers and lemon juice round out this dish, and the caramelized red onions add sweetness and color.
6. Simple Oven-Baked Bacon
Photo © Danilo Alfaro
Want to make perfect crispy bacon without all the mess? The simplest, most foolproof way to do it is to bake it in the oven.
7. Italian Vinaigrette Recipe
Photo © Danilo Alfaro
This Italian vinaigrette is made with extra virgin olive oil instead of salad oil, and features minced garlic, dried oregano and chopped parsley.
It's one of many variations on the basic vinaigrette which also include the herbed vinaigrette and the mustard vinaigrette.
It's one of many variations on the basic vinaigrette which also include the herbed vinaigrette and the mustard vinaigrette.
8. Basic French Toast
Photo © Danilo Alfaro
French toast is traditionally made from day-old bread, and it's actually better made with stale bread than with fresh, because stale bread will absorb more of the custard mixture than fresh bread will. But if all you have is fresh bread, try toasting it very slightly beforehand.
9. Classic Chicken Piccata
Photo © Danilo Alfaro
Some dishes, like this classic Chicken Piccata, are popular all year long. Sweet onions, lemons and capers create the simple, tangy sauce that accompanies the fast-cooking boneless, skinless chicken cutlets.
10. Grilled Strip Steak
Photo © Jennifer Sipala
This recipe for broiled or grilled strip steak topped with Maître d'Hôtel butter is one of the classic steak preparations, and one of the simplest.
