Recipes

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Why doesn't maple syrup find its way to American cheese platters the way chestnut honey does to Italian ones? We think it works particularly well with subtle, creamy cheeses, a conviction that inspired our riff on a classic New York cheesecake.

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

This stir-fry noodle dish, char kway teow, was inspired by one served at a crab restaurant in Kuala Lumpur frequented by the chef Zakary Pelaccio. Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee and Ted Lee snatched this recipe for chili crab from chef Zakary Pelaccio before the first Fatty Crab opened in New York. There are now locations in St. John and Hong Kong. With the restaurant, Pelaccio pays homage to a crab joint he frequented during a seven-month cooking stint in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This recipe calls for blue crabs and spices them up with chili sauce, garlic and ginger among much else. Serve with crab picks, cold beer and many napkins. Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

This is a huge piece of meat that is simple to prepare and inevitably leads to applause and awe. A fresh ham weighing in at north of 15 pound yields the variety of doneness needed for a big party of eaters: well-done white meat, pink slices for the medium-rare crowd, and crispy fat and dark-meat bits from the shank for those who like to snack. If there are leftovers the next day, carve the rest of the meat from the bone and make yourself a phenomenal ham sandwich. Then use the bones for stock and soup!

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

When a large crowd is coming over, it’s easy for panic to set in, as the Lee brothers discussed in the 2006 article accompanying this recipe. Their solution? Cooking a big cut of meat. For their first attempt, they looked to lamb, specifically this Moroccan lamb, coated with harissa, lemon zest and juice (which they used as a substitute for preserved lemons), and cured before roasting. The end result, served with a mint dressing, and perhaps a side of couscous or even mashed potatoes, is a satisfying show-stopper.

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

In the 1950s, a Hollywood star was not expected to squander her talents (or risk her manicure) chopping onions. But this recipe, scrawled by Marilyn Monroe on letterhead from an insurance company, suggested that she not only cooked, but cooked confidently and with flair. It bears the mark of the Bay Area and influences of Italian cooking, possibly picked up from her marriage to Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco City Hall in 1954. It is also a fussy, complicated affair -- but do not let that stop you. The result (almost 20 cups' worth!) is handsome, balanced and delicious. Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Julia Moskin · NYT Cooking

Julia Moskin

The New York Times · NYT Cooking

A decidedly Southern spread with Northern roots, pimento cheese is a simple mix of Cheddar, red bell pepper and mayonnaise that can be found at work sites and garden parties across the 16 states below the Mason-Dixon line. This recipe came to The Times from the Charleston, S.C.-bred cookbook authors Matt Lee and Ted Lee. Serve with crackers, or for a Masters pimento cheese sandwich, spread it between two pieces of soft white bread. The New York Times

Matt Lee · NYT Cooking

This easy-to-make seasoning mixture gives meat a spicy, slightly sweet flavor. Apply a thin coating before grilling beef, pork or lamb. Or use as a condiment to season the meat once you’ve carved and portioned it. Matt Lee And Ted Lee

Martha Rose Shulman · NYT Cooking

Romanos hold up to longer cooking, as you’ll see when you make this dish. Even when they soften, after 20 minutes of braising or stewing, they still have plenty of texture, their color remains good and they become somewhat juicy. If you can’t find romano beans use regular green beans. Just reduce cooking time to 15 minutes.

Martha Rose Shulman · NYT Cooking

Green beans are one of many vegetables that both Greek and Turkish cooks stew with abundant olive oil in dishes known as ladera. This recipe is inspired by one of them, but it’s a far cry from the authentic version, which requires three times as much oil and simmers for a longer time. Don’t be put off by the faded color of the beans; they’re comforting and delicious.

Martha Rose Shulman · NYT Cooking

Halloumi is a firm, white, brined cheese traditionally made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk. (Though today, cow’s milk is often used.) Like other low-fat cheeses, it is perfect for grilling. It sears and colors quickly when it hits the hot grill. The interior softens, but the cheese doesn’t melt; it just warms up invitingly.