Alex Guarnaschelli's Go-To Easter Recipe: Carrot Cake with Fresh Fruit Glaze

Why does carrot cake not get the respect it deserves? I feel like it is just one of those cakes that borders on some “healthy” category because of the carrots. And let’s be honest: Chocolate cake is really the ultimate. Either yellow cake with chocolate frosting or chocolate cake with chocolate frosting are likely my favorite cakes. But carrot cake is right up there. Especially when gussied up with a goopy, tangy frosting.

Alex Guarnaschelli's Harissa Is the Only Hot Sauce You'll Ever Need

I really love hot sauce. In almost every restaurant in America, there is a stash of homemade hot sauce. It usually represents the tapestry of different cultures that often converge beautifully in a professional kitchen. I have doused pasta, eggs and meat with some of the most beautiful hot sauces over the years. It is the little “spark plug” for cooks to make their food taste special. If you cook all day long, how does food you eat have any taste?

Alex Guarnaschelli's Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Photo: Victor Protasio“Peppercorns add a special tingly heat that brings pineapple to the next level,” says the chef, who will be making this cake at the2018 Food & Wine Classicin Aspen (June 15-17).Alex Guarnaschelli’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake½ cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, softened and divided1 large pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 7 (¾-in.-thick) rings¾ cup packed dark brown sugar2 large eggs, lightly beaten½ cup whole buttermilk1 tsp. vanilla extract1 cup all-purpose flour¼ tsp.

Alex Guarnaschelli: 4 Fall Sweet Treats for Halloween & Beyond

I am always searching for something new to do for Halloween. I’m taking a break from the usual pumpkin-related suspects and immersing myself in all the beautiful apple varieties this year. I also love a good candy bar now and then, and sometimes, when I’m feeling inspired, I give a homemade Halloween treat a try. Don’t give yourself a hard time about things like this. Personally, I only do projects like this when I have extra time, or when I’m in the mood.

Alex Guarnaschelli: Add These Simple Vegetable Sides to Tonight's Dinner

I always start out so simply and then I usually end up adding ingredients — more steps and a pile of dirty dishes later, I only have a small plate of food that I devour in just a few minutes! These are three simple dishes I’ve recently made that really deliver. The cucumber salad is great with some grilled shrimp or next to some canned tuna. I have topped the mushrooms with a fried egg or put them into a sandwich.