Name: Country Ham and Cheddar Pretzel Bites with Jalapeño Mustard
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 4 hr
Yield: Makes 4 dozen hors doeuvres or snacks
Ingredients: 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar, divided; 1/4 cup warm water (110-115°F); 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F); 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup finely chopped country ham (3 oz; preferably Newsom's or Benton's), divided; 1/3 cup finely chopped sharp Cheddar, divided; 6 cups water; 4 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons finely chopped seeded fresh jalapeños; 1 tablespoon mild honey; 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted; 1 to 2 tablespoons pretzel salt or coarse salt

Image may contain Dish Food Meal Bread Fried Chicken and Cracker

Country Ham and Cheddar Pretzel Bites with Jalapeño MustardJohn Kernick

Simultaneously salty, sharp, spicy, and sweet (in other words, completely irresistible), these nuggets are chef Edward Lee's way of saying, "You can have a casual meal without compromising true culinary endeavor." The tradition of serving mustard with a soft pretzel is strictly an American one; Lee makes his own honey mustard, jazzing it up with chiles. For sources for country ham and pretzel salt.

Cooks' notes:

•jalapeño mustard can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.
•Pretzels can be made 2 weeks ahead and frozen (once cooled). Thaw 30 minutes, then reheat in a 400°F oven about 10 minutes.

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.