Desserts, Free Recipes

Poached Fuyu Persimmons with Vanilla Ice Cream

Makes 8 servings Persimmons are sweet and mild in flavor with a plump texture that pairs beautifully with ice cream and a crisp topping. If you like, crumble gingersnaps in place of the baked crisp topping. If you can’t find ripe persimmons, you can substitute apple, pear, quince, or virtually […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Poaching Pears

Apples get an unfair amount of attention during the fall, but pears want to be covered in caramel, too! Pears are kind of the dark-horse of the fall produce scene. Some people don’t like their mealy texture, and we’ve probably all bitten into way more bad pears than bad apples. […]

Cakes, Desserts

Polenta Cake with Grappa, Berries, and Minted Mascarpone

Makes 6 servings This cake is dense and not too sweet, almost like a sweet cornbread. I like to use coarse polenta so that it also has an interesting texture, but if you have to use regular cornmeal, that works as well. Ingredients Polenta Cake 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at […]

Desserts

Pound Cake

Makes two 8-inch loaves Ingredients 3/4 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 2 1/2 tablespoons honey 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 cup nonfat powdered milk 8 eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons cake flour […]

Pies and Tarts

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie Why should you have to choose between two perfect desserts? With this Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie, you don’t have to! Pie Ingredients 2 eggs 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 3/4 cups pumpkin […]

Cakes, Desserts

Pumpkin Date Cake with Maple Caramel Sauce

Makes 8 to 12 servings This cake is a cross between sticky toffee pudding and a fluffy pumpkin snacking cake. It is lightly spiced, spongy and moist, and best when bathed in maple caramel sauce. Leftover sauce should be refrigerated and lightly heated before serving. Substitute about 2 teaspoons of […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Raspberry Mascarpone Tart

Makes one 9-inch tart A simple but stunning tart that features ripe raspberries on a layer of lemon and honey-sweetened mascarpone. Try substituting other berries depending on what is available at your local farm stand. Strawberries are a typical early summer choice, but as the berry season comes into full […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Desserts

Red Wine Granita

Makes 12 servings This granita—an icy, frozen dessert—will remind you of a chilled sangria, which makes it a favorite to enjoy as a treat poolside or as a refreshing course in a Mediterranean dinner party. Ingredients 3 cups water 1 3/4 cup red wine 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup orange […]

Pies and Tarts

Rhubarb Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie Rhubarb is tart, but well-balanced by the oat crumble we’ve paired it with here. Some rhubarb stalks may be tender enough, but if your rhubarb has a thick outer membrane (you can tell by peeling a bit back with your fingers), you may want to remove […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Rock Candy Recipe

Makes 6 pieces Ingredients 9 lb (18 cups) granulated sugar 1 1/2 quarts water 6 bamboo skewers 1 egg white, lightly beaten 2 tbsp coarse sugar Food coloring, as needed (optional) Directions Combine the sugar and water in a large clean pan and bring to a boil. Cover the pan […]