Makes about 2 cups Lightly sweetened, delicate and airy, this is a basic recipe for whipped cream. Omit the sugar for an unsweetened cream. Ingredients 1 cup cold heavy cream 1 teaspoon granulated or superfine sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions Chill the bowl and whip attachment of a stand […]
Swiss Meringue
Makes about 6 cups With this meringue method, warming the egg whites and sugar dissolves the sugar to create a smooth texture and heats the eggs for a food-safe and stable meringue. For a common (or French) meringue, use the same ingredients and whip without heating. Add 1/8 teaspoon of […]
T’ings
Makes 25 pieces T’ings are the simplest candy you can make, consisting of dark chocolate (or milk or white chocolate, if you prefer a less virtuous chocolate experience!) with chopped dried fruits and nuts. You can make any combination you like, but pistachios and cherries are a favorite. Ingredients 4 […]
Tarte Tatin
Makes 6 servings Although Tarte Tatin seems quite elegant and, in some restaurants, liberties have been taken to fancy it up, it is really just a simple apple tart. Though fancy versions exist, we think that simpler is better. Remove all the bells and whistles and keep it simple—a good […]
The Cheese Plate
As a last course, a composed plate of one cheese with one or more accompaniments can be a nice alternative to a sweet dessert. And, of course, nothing makes for a perfect party more than a cheese board for grazing. A variety of approaches can be taken when creating a […]
The CIA Apple Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie They say if you love somebody, you give them diamonds—but we think if you truly love someone, you bake them a pie. This classic apple pie is a crowd-pleaser no matter what table it lands on, and friends and family will taste the love in each […]
These Tartlets + Your Favorite Filling for the Perfect Holiday Desserts
A great recipe is more than delicious—it’s also convenient: easy to prepare, easy to use, versatile, and ready when you might not be. As we prepare for the holidays, we’re looking to our favorite Shortbread Tartlet Shells recipe. Making 6 dozen individual-sized shells, this recipe produces enough buttery, tender shells […]
Tips for the Perfect Fruit Pie Without a Recipe
In a moment of introspection, it has occurred to us that “pie season” is sort of a disingenuous concept. We are currently in the thick of summer pie season, but also, we are on the tail end of late spring pie season. And before we know it, it will be […]
Troubleshooting: Powdery Film on Chocolate
You’ve had that bar of baking chocolate in the pantry for months, and maybe you’ve just grabbed it for a recipe and noticed it looks a little… off. Maybe there’s a powdery film on the surface, or the whole thing looks a little cloudy. Not quite like the creamy chocolate […]
Turtle Bars
Makes one 9-in by 13-in pan You can use any nuts to finish this bar—pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even a mixture.
Vanilla Fudge
Makes one 9-inch square slab A vanilla bean cooked with the batch gives this fudge an ethereal vanilla fragrance, with the added bonus of tiny black vanilla seeds throughout the fudge. It is like perfect vanilla ice cream transformed into candy. Ingredients 2 lb (4 cups) sugar 6 oz (1/2 […]
Vanilla Icing Glaze
Makes about 1 cup An infinite variety of flavors can be created by adding extracts, liqueurs, or fruit juices to this simple and easy-to-make recipe. For a vanilla dairy-free or vegan version, substitute any unsweetened milk alternative.