Makes 45 cookies Make these cookies super-size to take on picnics or serve at kids parties, or miniaturize them to include as part of a cookie plate to serve at a tea or reception.
Chocolate Éclairs
Makes 12 éclairs The shape of a baked éclair depends upon the shape it is given before baking. It is easiest to make a nice, round éclair using a pastry bag, but you can also drop the batter from a spoon. Use a table knife dipped in water to smooth […]
Chocolate Glaze
Makes about 1 1/2 cups, or enough to glaze a 9-inch cake This chocolate glaze stays shiny but soft and is a perfect topping for cream puffs or éclairs. Use it to glaze a cake or to drizzle into vanilla ice cream for a chocolate ripple effect.
Chocolate Macarons
Makes about 60 macarons (120 shells) Macarons (not to be confused with coconut macaroons) are not difficult to make, but they are rather particular—so don’t be defeated if they aren’t perfect at first. It takes a few rounds to really understand the batter and how to treat it. If you’re […]
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie This simple variation on pecan pie is for the chocolate-lovers. The chocolate is not overpowering, but is actually a great semi-bitter complement to the otherwise sweet pie. Served warm, the chocolate will be melted and gooey, but served at room temperature, you can enjoy bites of […]
Chocolate Sabayon Torte
Makes one 8-inch torte Tortes usually require some planning. You can bake the cake layers in advance and keep them well wrapped in the refrigerator or freezer. Simple syrup and soft ganache also hold well, so that you can make them when you have time. But, the sabayon filling must […]
Choosing a Filling for the Best Layer Cakes
You may have tried and true, favorite cake recipes. But once you get the hang of the cake and the fillings, you can mix and match to make dynamic flavor combinations that are uniquely yours and suited to your mood or special event. Two important criteria to consider when choosing […]
Choosing Baking Dishes for Pies and Tarts (and More!)
Selecting bakeware for your pies and tarts is an essential step in creating a superior product. A pie or tart dough will bake differently depending on the kind of pan in which it is baked, and an inferior pan can adversely affect the crust of your pies and tarts. It […]
Classic Puff Pastry
Makes 4 lb Use this dough to make folded pastries, like turnovers, or as the base for a freeform tart. To save extra for later, wrap it up tight and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator the night before you want to use it again. If it’s your first time, this […]
Coconut Cream Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie
Coconut Macaroons
Makes about 32 macaroons
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 […]