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 […]
Mocha Torte
Makes one 8-inch torte A torte is a European-style pastry typically made with layers of sponge cake, a jam or cream filling, and a frosting. These rich and complex desserts are often enjoyed in the middle of the afternoon, served with coffee or tea, rather than as a dessert following […]
Mushroom and Leek Tart
Makes one 9-inch or 11-inch tart For this tart, select dark brown cremini mushrooms, which have a slightly more complex and fuller flavor than the common cultivated white mushroom. The cremini mushrooms’ earthy flavor balances the tanginess of the crème fraîche and makes for a memorable tart.
Orange, Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Biscotti
Makes 24 cookies Ingredients 3 cups bread flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 5 eggs 1 1/4 cups sugar 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/4 cups chopped macadamia nuts 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest 1/2 cup melted chocolate, for drizzling (optional) Directions Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Sift […]
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 […]
Palmier with Prosciutto
Makes 36 pieces This is a savory variation of a classic French pastry made of puff pastry sprinkled with granulated sugar. The name palmier reflects the palm-leaf shape of the pastry. These palmiers are lined with prosciutto, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese replaces the sugar. Ingredients 1 sheet prepared […]
Pastry Cream
Makes about 2 cups Pastry cream, which is essentially vanilla pudding, is incredibly versatile. It is commonly found as a filling in eclairs or as the base of a fresh fruit tart, but you can also use it for trifles, as a layer cake filling, in a cream pie, or […]
Pâte à Choux
Makes about 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup whole or low-fat milk 8 tablespoons (1 stick; 4 oz) unsalted butter, diced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup bread flour, sifted 3 large eggs 1 large egg white Egg wash (1 large egg whisked with 2 tablespoons cold milk or water) Directions Combine […]
Pâte Sucrée
Makes 1 pound 8 ounces Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Directions Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, about 5 to 10 minutes or until pale in color. Add […]
Pecan Diamonds
The Iconic Pecan Diamond Are they a cookie? A dessert? A bite-size pecan pie? Craig Claiborne of The New York Times called them the “sweet hallmark” of CIA, and they are. Pecan Diamonds have been a CIA tradition for nearly six decades. They were offered to guests with coffee at […]
Piping Makes Perfect: Detailed Designs
Piping is often functional: use a pastry bag to transfer the mousse to the serving bowls, place the glaze in a piping bag to cover the cake. Precision is nice, but not always necessary. But if you are interested in creating detailed cakes, homemade chocolate bonbons, cute cookies, or delicate […]
Polenta Cake with Grappa, Berries, and Minted Mascarpone
Makes 6 servings This cake is dense and not too sweet, almost like a sweet cornbread. I like to use coarse polenta so that it also has an interesting texture, but if you have to use regular cornmeal, that works as well. Ingredients Polenta Cake 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at […]