By
Alison Spiegel has been a writer and editor in the food media world for 10 years. In her work, she enjoys building communities and covering everything from cooking tips to dining trends. Also, ice cream.
Experience: Alison Spiegel holds a Professional Culinary Arts degree from the International Culinary Center (ICC) and has worked at numerous publications, including the Huffington Post, Tasting Table, Food & Wine, and most recently, Milk Street, where she launched a global network of chefs and culinary leaders, hosted a monthly cookbook club, and oversaw content on a website and Instagram account that were named finalists for the 2021 IACP awards.
Alison currently runs digital content at Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, and writes about cooking on the side. She began writing for Simply Recipes in the summer of 2021.
Published on February 16, 2018
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Presidents Day weekend is upon us, and what better way to spend a three-day-weekend in February than by tackling a long recipe—one that requires anywhere from an afternoon to a few a days—that you've been meaning to try? Whether it requires a couple rounds of proofing, an overnight marinade or a few hours of chilling, there's at least one time-intensive dish that's been on your bucket list for a while. Consider this weekend the perfect time to try that recipe out, and the time it requires your perfect excuse to hunker down and stay inside all day.
01of 11
Focaccia with Roasted Squash
This dough requires some beauty sleep like you do, so start it Friday or Saturday night and enjoy it for the rest of the weekend.
02of 11
Cassoulet
Nothing says comfort like this white bean-laden French casserole, and this version, featuring duck confit and garlic sausage, is extra hearty and fortifying.
03of 11
Croissants
You might have a go-to bakery (or four) for picking up buttery croissants, but when you master laminated dough at home, your favorite pastry will be that much closer when you're in need.
04of 11
Crusty White Bread
Looking for a classic loaf? Look no further than this recipe from Chad Robertson of San Francisco's Tartine Bakery.
05of 11
Smoked and Cured Salmon with Orange Zest
It maybe time-consuming, but the preparation here is quite simple, and if you don't have a smoker, this recipe has a trick for improvising one with tools you have on hand.
06of 11
Baked Alaska
Between the ice cream, the crust and the assembly, this classic dessert requires a few stages of cooling and resting, but it's well worth the wait.
07of 11
Best-Ever Cold Fried Chicken
Letting this bird rest in seasoned buttermilk overnight is the first step, but the last—letting it cool off for another night—is the real secret.
08of 11
Moody Tongue's Chocolate Cake
This seriously delicious and gargantuan cake from Chicago brewery Moody Tongue definitely takes time, but each component is surprisingly simple.
09of 11
Pastrami-Spiced Gravlax
Two layers of seasoning—a rub and glaze—make this elevated deli staple one that will motivate you out of bed on your day off.
10of 11
Three-Day Brined Lox with Anise-Herb Sauce
Or, if you're looking for something a little less spicy, this lox using the Nordic method of wet brining, is equally as enticing.
11of 11
Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Finally, now's the perfect time to start that fermentation project that's been on your mind, so give this kimchi a whirl. You'll end up putting it on everything.
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