A no-beans-in-the-pot Texas chili with beef, ground pork, chorizo, dark chocolate, and three cans of beer. The beans come on the side — that's the whole point.

A light, airy sponge layered with silky mocha cream — made with cooked cream instead of buttercream, which keeps it surprisingly light. A two-day project worth every minute.

A Ciceronian essay on the Thoth Tarot as a philosophical instrument — examining its Hermetic-Qabalistic architecture, astrological correspondences, and the psychological and intellectual virtues its disciplined study confers.

A fast, deeply spiced red lentil stew with coconut milk, roasted mustard seeds, and bell pepper. On the table in 35 minutes.

Quick couscous salad with bell peppers, sweetcorn, and a tomato-curry-soy dressing rubbed through by hand. Side dish or make-ahead lunch. Translated from anjatrine on chefkoch.de.

Classic Quarkkuchen with a pat-in shortcrust, quark-and-cream filling, and a slow bake. Vanilla pudding powder is the structural trick. Translated from blondeangel716 on chefkoch.de.

Classic German Rührteig sheet cake with lemon zest and a warm powdered-sugar glaze poured over fork-pricked holes. Translated from StrawberryShortCake on chefkoch.de.

Avocado-and-oil brownies with chopped dark chocolate. The vinegar-and-baking-soda lift replaces eggs. Translated from pancakepippa on chefkoch.de.

Grated zucchini, potato, and carrot fritters with halloumi and feta, using a brine trick to keep the shred dry. Adapted from the Armonia Hotel, Crete.

Creamy hummus with tahini, garlic, chili, and cumin — adapted from a chefkoch.de recipe. Better after a long rest in the fridge.