Soups and Stews

Strawberry Rhubarb Soup

Makes 6 servings You may not be making fruit soup on the average weeknight, but we love it for a special brunch or dinner during the spring and summer. This recipe is cold and refreshing, and it showcases the sweet and tart brightness of the classic fruit duo: strawberries and […]

Cookies, Desserts

Sweet Potato-Pecan Pie Bars

Makes one 9-in by 13-in pan Sweet potato custard and bourbon-flavored pecan topping make this the perfect fall treat. Ingredients Shortbread Crust 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 6 oz (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Sweet Potato Filling […]

Desserts, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Sweetened Whipped Cream

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 […]

Desserts

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 […]

Allergen Friendly, Desserts

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 […]

Desserts

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 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

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 […]

Pies and Tarts

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 […]

Chef's Blog

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 […]

Chef's Notes Plus

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 […]

Cookies, Desserts

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. Ingredients Shortbread Crust 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 7 oz (14 tablespoons) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Brownie Filling […]