Chef's Notes Plus

Creating Contrasts in Plated Desserts

Since you are a DISH member, we know that you likely have dessert ambitions beyond the classic cookies and coffee. And why shouldn’t you? The world of pastry is exciting and decadent! If you are home channeling your inner pastry chef, designing a composed, or plated, dessert for your next […]

Desserts

Crème Caramel

Makes 6 servings Crème caramel is a dessert that produces its own sauce, as long as you are patient with it. After the custard bakes, it needs to cool long enough for two things to happen: the custard must become firm enough to unmold, and the caramel underneath the custard […]

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

Design Your Own Gingerbread House

Nothing says “Christmas!” like an old-fashioned gingerbread house, and this year, we’re going all out! These cookies are the ideal canvas for all sorts of decorative touches. The dough can be made and baked off in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to decorate or finish. Use […]

Desserts

Diplomat Cream

Makes about 4 cups Diplomat Cream, a blend of pastry cream and whipped cream, can be used as a filling for cream puffs or chocolate éclairs, or as a layer in a trifle or icebox cake. The pastries should be baked and cooled before you make the diplomat cream; once […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Filling Cake Pans for Perfect Results

Whether tried-and-true or new-to-you, some cake recipes leave you guessing when it comes to filling the pan. Here are some basic pan-filling standards for sheet cakes, layer cakes, or the ever unpredictable bundt or tube cakes.

Desserts

French Vanilla Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings This is your classic vanilla ice cream, with a clean vanilla flavor and those signature flecks from the seeds of a fresh vanilla bean. If you can’t find vanilla beans, vanilla paste is your best substitute. Ingredients 3 cups heavy cream 1 […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Fresh Blueberry Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie If you have never had a fresh blueberry pie, this is the classic recipe to try. The top crust is formed with overlapping star cutouts, making it perfect for the Fourth of July—high season for fresh blueberries! Ingredients One recipe All-Butter Pie Dough, unbaked double crust […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Graham Cracker-Crumb Crust

Makes one 9pinch pie or tart pan Graham crackers come in a variety of flavors, including honey graham, chocolate, and cinnamon. If you do not have a food processor to create crumbs, use a resealable bag and a rolling pin to finely crush the crackers. Ingredients 1 cup (4 oz; […]

Desserts

Green Tea Truffles

Makes 48 pieces Matcha green tea not only flavors this ganache, but also provides its distinctive green color. Different green teas have different flavor nuances; try different teas and vary the amount to fi nd your own cup of tea. Ingredients 4 oz (1/2 cup) heavy cream 2 tsp matcha […]

Desserts

Grilled Pound Cake with Coffee Ganache

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 Pound Cake, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 1 cup Coffee Ganache 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts Directions Preheat a gas grill to medium-high. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

How to Prepare Laminated Doughs

Gentle warning: you are about to read a lot of information explaining the basic technique of laminated dough. Though it seems long and overwhelming, the process is technically simple, so take it step by step. When you are ready to try a recipe, read it all the way through before […]