Test-Kitchen Trick: Better-Ahead Recipes

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What a Difference a Day Makes

Our food editors know a good idea when they see one. Over the years they've learned from each other and discovered lots of tricks, including this one: Some dishes are better when made ahead. Here’s a roundup of some of our test kitchen experts’ favorite foods that become just that much tastier the next day.

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Yesterday's Braise

Diane Fields

Meats braised in advance are a great boon when entertaining. They not only get us ahead but are actually better made ahead. It's simply a matter of the flavors' mingling, evolving, and heightening.

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Braised Pork Shoulder

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Make an irresistible dinner (or three!) with a slow-cooked pork shoulder enriched with pancetta, Belgian ale, and earthy spices.

Also try:

Luscious Oven-Braised Short Ribs

Braised Leg of Lamb with Potatoes and Olives

Braised Brisket with Carrots, Garlic, and Parsnips

Coq au Vin

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Sleep with the Fishes

An overnight bath in broth gives lobster stew and seafood gumbo more nuance.

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Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

Dana Gallagher
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Impress your family with this famous San Franciscan seafood stew. Invented by Italian-American fishermen, this recipe for cioppino features an assortment of seafood cooked in a tomato broth. The recipe calls for clams, firm white fish, shrimp, and crab legs, but feel free to use your favorite seafood combination.

Also try:

Shrimp Stew

Maine Lobster and Corn Chowder

Bouillabaisse

Emeril's Classic Seafood Gumbo

More Seafood Chowder, Soup, and Stew Recipes

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It All Adds Up

When made ahead, minestrone, chili, beans, curries, and Bolognese sauce become more than the sum of their parts.

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Heather's Texas Red Chili

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Chipotle adds a hint of smokiness as well as a touch of heat to this earthy chili.More Chili Recipes

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Bolognese Sauce

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Pair this meaty, velvety ragu with fresh tagliatelle for a soul-satisfying family dinner.

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Classic Minestrone

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This beloved Italian soup isn't just hearty and healthy -- it's really flexible. Minestrone typically includes lots of leafy greens, other veggies, and beans. Which to choose? You're limited only by the contents of your refrigerator and pantry.

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Big-Batch Beans

Beans are money in the bank for the weeknight cook. Simmer a big pot of them and you'll have the main ingredient for three quick, delicious dinners: Bean-and-Fish Tacos, Indian-Spiced Bean-and-Tomato Soup, and Beans on Toast with Crisp Bacon and Eggs.

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On the Side

Barbecue sauce, salsa, chutney, Bloody Mary mix: Even add-ins and condiments will be all the better for a day’s rest.

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Classic Barbecue Sauce

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This all-purpose tomato-based sauce balances sweet, savory, and earthy flavors. Use this recipe on its own or as a base for the easy-to-make variations: Smoky Chile and Coffee, Roasted Garlic and Lemon, or Peach and Bourbon.

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Salsa Trio and Homemade Tortilla Chips

Mikkel Vang
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Start the fiesta with not one but three salsas -- cruda, verde, and roasted tomato.See more Salsa, Sauce, and Relish Recipes.

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Apricot-Raisin Chutney

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Honey and cider vinegar contribute to the sweet-savory brightness of this summer chutney. Spread it on sandwiches or serve it with grilled meats.

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Deep, Dark, and Delicious

Dana Gallagher
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Chocolate desserts become richer in body and deeper in flavor when prepared a day in advance.See our Favorite Chocolate Dessert Recipes.

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Chew This Over

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Oatmeal cookies develop a nice chew after an overnight rest.See More of our Favorite Oatmeal Cookie Recipes.

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The Perfect Pie

Kenji Toma
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Baking pies a day ahead allows them to set (the secret to cutting perfect, rather than puddly, slices).See more of our favorite Summer Fruit Pie Recipes.

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