6 red velvet recipes

These rich and decadent brownies are perfect for Valentine's Day.

Kuo Fan Gee Chiu is a Szechuan-style diced chicken stir-fry with dried red chilis, bamboo shoots, and straw mushrooms. Velveted chicken, no-bland heat.

Silky cold plum soup with red wine, brandy, sour cream, and warm cinnamon, chilled until velvety smooth. A refreshing Eastern European fruit soup that works as an elegant starter or a light summer dessert.

Roasted butternut squash and red lentil soup pureed with orange juice and spiced with cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and ginger. A vibrant, velvety vegan bowl.

Irish-style spaghetti sauce with ground beef, red wine, tomato puree, chicken broth, and a warm hint of nutmeg. Simmered for an hour into a rich, velvety meat sauce.

Cream of beet soup with fresh beets sauteed in butter with marjoram, simmered in broth, pureed smooth, and finished with heavy cream and red wine vinegar. A vibrant magenta soup with velvety texture.