Name: Watermelon Pudding
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups coarsely chopped seeded watermelon (from a 4 1/2-lb piece, rind discarded); 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon anise seeds; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste; 1/3 cup heavy cream; Garnish: chopped shelled pistachios (not dyed red); white or dark chocolate shavings, removed with a vegetable peeler

Image may contain Food Dessert Bowl Creme Cream and Yogurt

Watermelon Pudding

This is a variation on the Sicilian classic gelo di melone, which is steeped with jasmine flowers. We substituted anise seeds but kept the traditional garnishes of chocolate shavings, pistachios, and whipped cream.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes chilling)

Cooks' note:

Pudding can be chilled up to 1 day.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

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

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

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

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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