Considering eating is one of my favorite hobbies, that means I might splurge a little on delicious ingredients to cook with. If you’re in the same boat, here are some recipes from our database to treat yourself this tax season — or whenever else you feel like it.
Filet Mignon With Madeira Sauce
Above. Filet mignon is heralded as one of the most tender cuts of beef. Here, it’s basted with butter, then served with a Madeira pan sauce. Get the recipe.
Duck Confit
This recipe proves you can easily make restaurant-worthy duck confit. And as a bonus, you get rendered duck fat, which is great for cooking potatoes. Get the recipe.
Saffron Shrimp Flambe
Saffron has the reputation of being the most expensive spice in the world. Here, it adds its unique, complex flavor to a beautiful sauce for shrimp. Get the recipe.
Classic Grilled Oysters
Yes, raw oysters with just a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce are great. But they’re also amazing topped with garlic, butter, breadcrumbs and cheese. Get the recipe.
Caramelized Scallops With Beurre Blanc
Beurre blanc — a simple sauce of butter, cream, wine and shallots — makes simply seared scallops even more luxurious. Get the recipe.
Steamed Lobster
Steaming “produces a lobster so vastly superior to boiling,” former recipes editor Ann Maloney wrote. Don’t forget the melted butter for dipping. Get the recipe.
Lamb Chops With Minty Pea Puree and Pomegranate
Minty peas and sweet-tart pomegranate are a great complement for gamy lamb chops. Get the recipe.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
It might come as a shock to some just how expensive vanilla beans are given the ubiquity of the flavor. Making your own extract is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. Get the recipe.
