Name: Cuban Opera Cake
Yield: Makes 12 servings
Ingredients: 4 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups (packed) golden brown sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup crème de cacao; 1/2 cup freshly brewed coffee, lukewarm; 8 ounces imported milk chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup half and half; 4 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or coffee powder; 4 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin softened in 1 tablespoon water 10 minutes; 1 cup chilled whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 12 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped

Melissa Harden of Omaha, Nebraska, writes: "To celebrate our recent engagement, my fiancé and I spent a long weekend at the Mondrian in Los Angeles. Our stay was perfect, as was dinner at the hotel's Asia de Cuba restaurant, where I couldn't get enough of the rich Cuban Opera cake."

A traditional Opera cake is made from very thin layers of cake, coffee buttercream, and coffee mousse — all covered with chocolate glaze. This version, which is perfect for a special occasion, is taller than your average Opera cake, owing to its thicker layers.

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.

Béchamel Sauce

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

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

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

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

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

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.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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