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 […]

Desserts

Tarte Tatin

Makes 6 servings Although Tarte Tatin seems quite elegant and, in some restaurants, liberties have been taken to fancy it up, it is really just a simple apple tart. Though fancy versions exist, we think that simpler is better. Remove all the bells and whistles and keep it simple—a good […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Full Scoop on Vanilla

When you’re making a simple dessert, like vanilla ice cream or crème brûlée, you have very few ingredients to distract from the flavors of the raw ingredients. For that reason, the best outcomes will come from the best ingredients. We know a lot these days about sourcing high quality milk […]

Desserts

Vanilla Sauce

Makes 8 servings This all-purpose sauce is our favorite over bread pudding, but it’s also perfect alongside a hot soufflé or for dunking churros. Ingredients 1 cup whole milk 1/2 vanilla bean 1/3 cup sugar 3 egg yolks Directions Bring the milk, vanilla bean, and half of the sugar to […]

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 […]

Cakes

Yellow Sheet Cake

This recipe makes a perfect classic sheet cake, which you can pair with any of your favorite frostings or chocolate ganache. Makes one 9- by 13-inch cake Ingredients 4 cups cake flour, plus more for the pan 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt […]