Cookies

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Makes 45 cookies Make these cookies super-size to take on picnics or serve at kids parties, or miniaturize them to include as part of a cookie plate to serve at a tea or reception. Ingredients 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 […]

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse

Makes 4 to 6 servings Heating the egg whites and egg yolks not only pasteurizes them, making them safe to eat without further cooking, but it also dissolves the sugar and denatures the proteins. This creates a smooth and strong structure in your egg foams that helps to keep your […]

Free Recipes, Pies and Tarts

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie This simple variation on pecan pie is for the chocolate-lovers. The chocolate is not overpowering, but is actually a great semi-bitter complement to the otherwise sweet pie. Served warm, the chocolate will be melted and gooey, but served at room temperature, you can enjoy bites of […]

Desserts

Chocolate-Dipped Anything

Makes about 25 pieces Fresh and dried fruit are both ideal for dipping in chocolate. Fresh fruit should be enjoyed within hours of dipping, while dried fruit will keep for weeks. Pretzels, crackers, and virtually any other dry food may also be dipped in chocolate to create quick, easy confections. […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Choosing a Filling for the Best Layer Cakes

You may have tried and true, favorite cake recipes. But once you get the hang of the cake and the fillings, you can mix and match to make dynamic flavor combinations that are uniquely yours and suited to your mood or special event. Two important criteria to consider when choosing […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Christmas Brittle

Where I grew up in New Jersey, there was a local candy shop that sold macadamia nut brittle that was a prized possession in my house. It was, as you can expect, expensive as kids candy went, and my parents/Santa only got it once a year to sneak into our […]

Desserts

Churros

Makes 24 churros Ingredients 1 cup water 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 eggs, beaten Vegetable oil, as needed, for frying Directions Combine the water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. […]

Breakfast and Brunch, Pantry

Classic Puff Pastry

Makes 4 lb Use this dough to make folded pastries, like turnovers, or as the base for a freeform tart. To save extra for later, wrap it up tight and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator the night before you want to use it again. If it’s your first time, this […]

Pies and Tarts

Coconut Cream Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie Ingredients Single crust recipe Pie Dough 3 cups whole milk 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, plus 1/4 cup, toasted 1 cup sugar 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped 1/3 cup cornstarch 2 eggs 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup whipped cream Directions […]

Desserts, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Coffee Ganache

Makes 3 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons powdered instant espresso 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 2/3 cups finely chopped dark chocolate Directions Bring the water to a boil and stir in the instant espresso until smooth. Set aside. Combine the cream and […]

Allergen Friendly, Desserts, Family Fun

Concord Grape Granita

Makes 4-6 Servings Simple Syrup Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cups sugar Directions Combine the water and the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and cool to room temperature. Granita Ingredients 1 cup simple syrup, at room temperature 2 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Conquer Pie Dough

For many home bakers, creating a flavorful, tender pie or tart crust is a fearful and challenging process filled with questions. How is it that some home bakers consistently produce flaky, crispy, and tender crusts or shells while others consistently find this task so daunting? As pie and tart dough […]