Desserts

Soft Caramels

Makes 1 1/2 lbs Ingredients Flourless cooking spray for greasing 2 cups sugar 1 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup whole or low-fat milk Large zest strips from 1/2 orange 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1/3 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Directions Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking […]

Side Dishes

Spicy Cucumbers

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb Kirby cucumbers 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup white vinegar 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes Directions Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then […]

Desserts

Sponge Candy

Makes one 9×13-inch slab Sponge candy enjoys regional popularity in the United States, and there are at least two candy bars made of sponge candy sold mainly in the United Kingdom. With a little practice, you can make sponge candy every bit as light and airy as these.

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 […]

Pies and Tarts

Tarte au Citron (Lemon Tart)

Makes one 9-inch tart (about 8 to 12 servings) Ingredients 3/4 lb Pâte Sucrée 9 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 1 3/4 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups heavy cream Zest and juice of 4 lemons Directions Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out pâte sucrée to line a deep […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Spoon Method to Test Cooked Sugar

The most accurate way to measure the temperature of cooking sugar syrup is to use a thermometer; there is little reason that a home confectioner would want to use any other method. Finger testing is a time-honored technique that can be used in place of, or in addition to, a […]

Desserts

Tiramisu

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 3 cups strongly brewed coffee 6 egg yolks 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup Kahlua 10 oz (3/4 cup) mascarpone, room temperature 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 24 ladyfingers 2 cups crumbled Ameretti cookie crumbles 1 cup cocoa powder Directions Make coffee, just one […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tomato Jam

Makes 2 pints Ingredients 3 pounds tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice Pinch ground cloves Pinch freshly ground black pepper Directions  In a large pot, combine the […]

Free Recipes, Main Dishes

Turkey Curry

Makes 4 servings Note: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water. If too thin, add a little cornstarch and water. To prepare this thickener, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch to 1/3 cup water. Drizzle just enough thickener into sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly after returning to […]

Cookies

Ugly But Good Cookies

Makes about 30 cookies Ingredients 2 egg whites ¾ cup sugar 1¼ cup skinned hazelnuts, coarsely chopped Directions Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, whip the egg whites at medium speed, adding […]