Chef's Notes Plus

All About Pâte à Choux

Pâte à choux is a simple and versatile French pastry batter made from milk (or water), butter, flour, and eggs. It is typically piped and baked to a crisp, hollow shell that is perfect for filling with sweet or savory ingredients. Even if you’ve never made pâte à choux, you’ve […]

Chef's Notes Plus

All About Roux

If you’re feeling the spirit of Mardi Gras, you may be inspired to try your hand at a Cajun or Creole recipe, like gumbo or shrimp etouffee. The key to many of these flavorful, complex dishes is the roux, a cooked flour and fat mixture that thickens, colors, and flavors […]

Family Fun, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Apple Butter

Makes about 2 pints Ingredients 5 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and diced 1 3/4 cups apple cider 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice Pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground mace 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Directions In a large pot, bring the apples and cider […]

Desserts

Apple Strudel

Makes 6 servings Strudels are known for their paper-thin, flaky crust, which takes some patience, but is worth the effort. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be strudel-ing all of your favorite fillings. You can even use this dough with savory fillings, like seared mushrooms and goat cheese. […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Beurre Blanc

Makes 1 quart sauce Beurre blanc is a classic French sauce, made creamy thanks to the emulsion formed between the fat (butter!) and the liquid (wine). The key to not breaking an emulsion is patience and an even, moderate cooking temperature, so take your time adding the butter and take […]

Desserts

Blitz Puff Pastry

Makes 2 pounds of dough There are a few ways to make ultra-flaky puff pastry, but this one is the quickest (that’s why it’s called blitz!). The layers in puff pastry are a result of folding the dough four times. We included a photo at the end to show you what […]

Desserts, Free Recipes, Pies and Tarts

Boiled Apple Cider Custard Tart

Makes one 11-inch tart A classic northeast specialty typically made in pie form, but upgraded here to an elegant tart. Serve each slice with vanilla ice cream to offset the brightness of the apples. Pears can be easily substituted for the apple. To see how it’s done, check out this […]

Desserts

Brown Sugar and Oat Crumble

Makes about 2 cups Use this crumble to top a pie or a simple fruit crisp. It can also be baked on a baking sheet as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, pudding, or poached fruit (like this Cardamom-Poached Pear)! Ingredients 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup oats, old fashioned […]

Desserts

Caramel Sauce

Makes about 2 cups Ingredients 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Directions Prepare an ice bath. Bring the cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Combine the sugar and corn syrup in […]

Cookies, Desserts

Checkerboard Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies To make sharper-looking cookies, reserve a portion of vanilla or chocolate dough, roll it to about 1/8 inch thick, brush lightly with water, and wrap around the checkerboard block. Refrigerate, slice, and bake. Ingredients Vanilla Dough 1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 cup confectioners’ […]