Name: Strawberry Napoleons
Cook time: 1 1/4 hr
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 pound fresh strawberries (1 1/2 pints); 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream; 12 Almond Lace Cookies; Confectioners sugar for dusting

"Inspired by Caroline Bates's Chesapeake Bay article in the June 1998 Gourmet, I decided to spend a couple of days there with a friend from Holland," says Susan Tingle Goldthwaite of Teaneck, New Jersey. "We stayed at the Waterloo Country Inn and were pleasantly surprised to find that the inn now has a restaurant, called David's at the Waterloo, open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The strawberry napoleon was unlike anything I have ever tasted. Wonderfully fresh strawberries were swirled in the most luscious cream concoction and nestled between two lacy almond cookies. My mouth starts watering just thinking of it again! I'd love to have the recipe."

Editors' note: It turns out that chef David Wells and his wife, Lillian, have since moved their restaurant to Salisbury, Maryland, which is about 10 miles from the Waterloo Country Inn. They still offer this delicious dessert at their new place, David's (a bistro!).

Cooks' note:

·Sauce can be made ahead and kept, covered and chilled, 1 week.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.