Name: Steamed Egg Custard with Blue Crab and Flowering Chives
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Makes 8 (first course) servings
Ingredients: 3 large dried Chinese black mushrooms; 2 1/3 cups water; 1 (4-inch) piece kombu (dried kelp); 2 tablespoons bonito flakes; 6 large eggs; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine; 1 1/2 teaspoons dry Oloroso Sherry; 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil; 18 flowering Chinese chives, tough bottoms discarded; 1/2 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, picked over; 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine; 1 tablespoon dry Oloroso Sherry; Pinch of white pepper; Equipment: 8 (4- to 5-ounce) bowls or ramekins

Image may contain Food Dessert Bowl Yogurt Confectionery and Sweets

Steamed Egg Custard with Blue Crab and Flowering ChivesJohn Kernick

The spirit of Japan comes through in this dish: It is lovely to behold and has a delicate, light quality, yet the extraordinary flavors will seize your attention with the culinary equivalent of surround sound.

Cooks' note:

Dashi can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vegan Chili

This vegan chili skips the meat but keeps all of the smoky-savory flavors that make it so comforting: cocoa powder, beans, and all of the toppings.

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.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.