Chef's Notes Plus

Making Soft Caramel Candies

Soft Caramels are among the most popular of all confections, and in any box of assorted chocolates they are very likely to be the first to disappear. Lucky for us, caramels are fun to make, and there are few things more delicious than a just-made caramel candy. Even better, they’re […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Maple Pecan Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The complementary flavors of maple and pecan combine in this pie to create an earthy, buttery, robust dessert. Be sure to purchase Grade B maple syrup as the darker amber color and deeper maple flavor are essential to this pie. In the variation that follows, adding […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Marshmallow Easter Treats

Makes about 12 treats (depending on the size of your cookie cutter) Making your favorite store-bought treats at home is fun and tasty! Marshmallows are easy once you get the hang of it. Just make sure to have a thermometer handy. If you don’t like the sugar coating on your […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Meltaways to Celebrate your BFF!

The best part of Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is celebrating the people we love—whether that’s our parents, our brothers and sisters, girlfriends and boyfriends, or just our besties! And, sure, we think part of celebrating your BFFs is doing something fun, a special little treat can certainly help. We […]

Desserts

Mint Meltaways

Makes 81 pieces They are called meltaways for a reason: When coconut fat is mixed with chocolate, the result is a mixture that melts very quickly in the mouth. Add flavoring to it, and you have a singular sensation. No need to dip these in chocolate—just dust with powdered sugar […]

Cookies

Mudslide Cookies

Makes 24 large cookies Ingredients 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon powdered instant coffee 1 tablespoon boiling water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 7 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

No-Fuss Strawberry Jam

Makes about 2 cups Homemade jam is such a special treat, and a wonderful gift. The process of canning and preserving is overwhelming, but you can skip that step with this recipe. Refrigerate just enough to use for a month or so, and then freeze the rest in plastic containers […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Christmas Cookie Must-Haves

A person’s Christmas cookie plate is very personal, but we believe the perfect plate of holiday cookies contains representatives from all of the major cookie groups: chocolate, fruity, nutty, shortbread, and spice. These categories are broad with plenty of room for interpretation, but if you hit each one, you’re sure […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Holiday Cookies

There’s a lot to love about the holidays, but cookies are pretty high on the list. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite cookie recipes to help inspire your baking. Remember that nearly all cookies are great for freezing, whether in baked or raw dough form, so get a […]

Cookies

Partridge in a Pear (Dog) Treat

Makes about 4 dozen, depending on the size of your cookie cutter Dogs are family, too, and this treat is an easy way to show them you care! This dough is very forgiving and can be customized to your furry friends’ favorite flavors. You may need to add or reduce […]

Desserts

Peanut Brittle

Makes 1 thin sheet Brittle is some of the easiest candy to make, and the pay-off is unbeatable! This basic version uses peanuts, but you can substitute any nuts, especially roughly chopped almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts, or even sesame seeds, pepitas, or oats. Add smoked sea salt or cocoa […]

Breakfast and Brunch, Cakes

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Muffins

Makes 12 muffins These muffins are the perfect way to showcase the ideal flavor partnership of bananas and peanut butter. They still satisfy the banana bread spot, with just the right amount of peanut butter flavor peeking through. The streusel topping adds a little sweetness and texture, but they are […]