Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

All About Meringues

Have you ever tried to make a lemon meringue pie and ended up with a sort of sad, droopy meringue top? We all have! Luckily, once you master the meringue, it’s a super simple trick to have up your sleeve for pies, cookies, and even cakes! Whipping egg whites with […]

Cookies, Free Recipes

Amaretti Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies Ingredients 2  1/2 cups sliced blanched almonds 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar 3/4 teaspoon almond extract 1  1/3 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup egg whites 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest Coarsely chopped blanched almonds and confectioners’ sugar, as needed, for […]

Cakes, Desserts

Angel Food Cake

Makes one 9-inch tube cake In order to reach a lofty height, angel food cake needs to cling to the sides of the pan, both as it bakes and while it cools. This is why the pan is ungreased and the cake is cooled upside down. Some angel food cake […]

Desserts

Coconut Macaroons

Makes about 32 macaroons Ingredients 1 cup sugar (divided use) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut 6 large egg whites 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Melted chocolate, as needed for dipping (optional) Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Desserts for Your Passover Table

Baking for Passover involves its own unique set of challenges, as during the Passover period, observers do not consume items that are chametz—that is, any product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has come into contact with water and allowed to “rise.” Just about anything made from […]

Cakes, Desserts

High-Ratio White Cake

High-ratio cakes have a higher quantity of sugar than some other cakes, which makes them exceptionally moist and tender, and gives them a slightly longer shelf life. Their unique mixing method is simple and leaves you with a cake that’s perfect for kids’ birthday cakes or your next pot-luck. Makes […]

Cakes

Italian Buttercream

Makes about 6 cups Italian buttercream starts with a very stable meringue, making it creamy and light, but also very sturdy. It is almost impossible to mess this recipe up, so don’t panic. If your buttercream appears melted, it means it’s too warm. Place the whole mixing bowl in the […]

Cookies

Pignoli Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies Pignolis, also called pine nuts, make a delicious, toasty-tasting cookie.

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Spooky Cookies and Cupcakes for Halloween

Are you afraid of ghosts? Monsters? Zombies!? For Halloween treat inspiration, we look to the creepy crawlies, and this easy spider web design can be used to make creepy cupcakes, spoooooky coooookies, and cakes or pizza that will give you goosebumps! For these cupcakes, we rolled pre-made fondant (you can […]

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 […]