A touch of butter adds rich, luxurious flavor to the meringue, but admittedly, it also deflates it a bit. For a fluffy, snow-white cap, omit the butter.

serves 24
You might need to buy:
  • Cupcakes:
  • baking soda
  • baking powder
  • sugar
  • large egg yolks
  • vanilla extract
  • whole buttermilk
  • large egg whites
  • cream of tartar Baking spray with flour
  • Frosting:
  • sugar
  • water
  • vanilla bean
  • large egg whites
  • cream of tartar
serves 10
You might need to buy:
  • olive oil
  • chopped yellow onion
  • canola mayonnaise
  • finely chopped fresh chives 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • kosher salt
serves 10
You might need to buy:
  • canola oil
  • finely chopped shallots
  • apple cider
  • golden raisins
  • brown sugar
  • cider vinegar
  • kosher salt
You might need to buy:
  • vodka
  • lemon-lime soda
  • fresh lime juice
  • thin green apple slices

3 dozen

You might need to buy:
  • French baguette
  • mayonnaise