Cheese is a huge topic, and a deep dive into the subject can yield overwhelming results. It is probably for this reason that despite eating and cooking with cheese nearly every day, many people know very little about where their cheese comes from, how it is made, and the incredible […]
Makes 4 servings This recipe uses plain Greek yogurt, but you can substitute vanilla yogurt (omit the honey), sour cream, crème fraîche, or mascarpone. The berries can be chopped or mashed with the back of a fork, just enough to release the juices (make sure you aren’t wearing a shirt […]
Blue or blue-veined cheeses are thought to have been among some of the first cheeses produced. Although there is no specific research to prove the theory, it is believed that the mold was first introduced to cheese from moldy bread that had come in contact with the cheese. In the […]
Makes 6 to 8 servings This soup comes from the interior of Italy, in the Campania region. It is the perfect treat for a cold winter night, served with a few slices of grilled bread. If fresh porcini are not available, try other mushrooms or substitute a few ounces of […]
Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings Freshly ground coffee gives this Philadelphia-style ice cream a bold flavor. Coffee beans are sold by variety or as a blend, and in varying degrees of “roast,” from a light, or American, roast to inky black and shiny espresso roast. Coarsely grinding […]
Makes 6 servings Crème caramel is a dessert that produces its own sauce, as long as you are patient with it. After the custard bakes, it needs to cool long enough for two things to happen: the custard must become firm enough to unmold, and the caramel underneath the custard […]
Makes 4 servings We like the tender texture of crêpes in this dish, but the dish would be equally delicious made with regular or whole wheat flour tortillas.
The key to making perfect ice cream (with or without a recipe!) comes down to an understanding of the primary ingredients and what purpose they serve. The basic ingredients for ice cream are milk, cream, sugar, flavorings, and sometimes eggs. There are two basic types of ice cream. Custard ice […]
Buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, and crème fraîche are all dairy products that have a characteristic sour and tangy flavor due to the addition of a bacterial culture or lactic acid. After the addition of the culture, these products are heated, allowing the bacteria to convert the sugars to lactic acid, […]
Clarified butter is a staple in professional kitchens. Made by melting butter to break the water and fat emulsion, you first skim away the milk solids and then the pure butterfat—the clarified butter itself. Unlike vegetable oils, which are 100% fat, butter is a mixture of water, milk solids, and […]
Soft Caramels are among the most popular of all confections, and in any box of assorted chocolates they are very likely to be the first to disappear. Lucky for us, caramels are fun to make, and there are few things more delicious than a just-made caramel candy. Even better, they’re […]
Chai is a popular Indian beverage made from black tea, milk, a sweetener, and spices. Mixtures known as chai masala may include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns to give the drink its heady aroma. Some sugar or honey is essential to bring out all the flavors. Makes 8 servings