Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Rolling Pins

Available in many shapes and materials, rolling pins are essential to pie making and are necessary for rolling dough evenly. The most common rolling pin material is hardwood, but for pastry items, like pie dough, you might select marble or stainless steel, as these materials will remain cool and not […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Chorizo and Poblano Quiche

Makes one 9-inch pie Ingredients All-Butter Pie Dough, unbaked, single crust 1 medium poblano chile 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 cup diced onion 4 oz chorizo, casings removed, crumbled 1/2 cup sour cream 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 3 large eggs 1 cup grated Monterey Jack Directions Preheat the oven […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Common Baking Problems and What They Mean

Even the best-tested recipe can have flaws. After all, we don’t all like our cookies, cakes, or pies exactly the same. Someone’s perfect chocolate chip cookie might be too crisp for you, or too chewy for someone else. The beauty of at-home baking is that you are in charge of […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Cooking with Kids: Tarts and Crafts

Pies are for every day, as far as we’re concerned. But, there are two times of the year that pies get their moment in the spotlight: Thanksgiving (apple pie! pumpkin!) and summer, when there are berries and stone fruit, like peaches and cherries with pits in the middle, perfect for […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Cream Cheese Dough

Makes 2 discs Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 8 ounces cream cheese, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 tablespoons ice-cold water 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Directions In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted […]

Pies and Tarts

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 […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Raspberry Mascarpone Tart

Makes one 9-inch tart A simple but stunning tart that features ripe raspberries on a layer of lemon and honey-sweetened mascarpone. Try substituting other berries depending on what is available at your local farm stand. Strawberries are a typical early summer choice, but as the berry season comes into full […]

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 […]

Free Recipes, Pies and Tarts

Vanilla Tart Dough

Makes one disc, enough for one 9- to 11-inch tart or twelve 3 ¼-inch tartlets Unbaked Tart Shell: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/8-inch. If making tartlets, it may be necessary to reroll the scraps: Stack the scraps, gently press them together, chill, if […]