Chef's Notes Plus

Making Chocolate Curls to Dress Up Dessert

Chocolate shavings and curls are the simplest way to finish a show-stopping cake or other special occasion dessert. To create chocolate shavings and curls, you need a good-sized block of chocolate at room temperature. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for your curls. Look for larger […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making Homemade Fudge

Fudge is without question the quintessential homemade candy; it has been made in home kitchens for over 100 years. Mention fudge, and most of us immediately think of chocolate, but chocolate is not the defining ingredient in fudge; it can be made using a wide variety of flavoring ingredients. The […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Meet Your New Favorite Flavor: Gianduja

Gianduja (jhan-DOO-ya) is a delicious mixture of chocolate and finely ground nuts. It is most likely Italian in origin and is traditionally made with dark chocolate and hazelnuts. While it is possible to toast and grind nuts and add the resulting paste to chocolate, it is simpler to make and […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Meltaways to Celebrate your BFF!

The best part of Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is celebrating the people we love—whether that’s our parents, our brothers and sisters, girlfriends and boyfriends, or just our besties! And, sure, we think part of celebrating your BFFs is doing something fun, a special little treat can certainly help. We […]

Desserts

Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Sticks

Makes about 15 pieces These adorable pieces of chocolate decor are perfect for topping your fall and winter treats, like cupcakes, cakes, and tarts. Choose the flattest baking sheet you have for smooth rolling.

Desserts

Mint Meltaways

Makes 81 pieces They are called meltaways for a reason: When coconut fat is mixed with chocolate, the result is a mixture that melts very quickly in the mouth. Add flavoring to it, and you have a singular sensation. No need to dip these in chocolate—just dust with powdered sugar […]

Cakes

Mocha Torte

Makes one 8-inch torte A torte is a European-style pastry typically made with layers of sponge cake, a jam or cream filling, and a frosting. These rich and complex desserts are often enjoyed in the middle of the afternoon, served with coffee or tea, rather than as a dessert following […]

Main Dishes

Mole Rojo Oaxaqueño (Red Oaxacan Mole)

Makes 8 servings There are more than 50 varieties of Mexican mole, but this may be the versions most Americans think of when they hear the word. Rich with flavor from dried chiles, nuts and seeds, and, yes, a bit of chocolate, this sauce is worth the effort.

Chef's Blog, Family Fun

No Bake Icebox Cakes for the Fourth of July

It’s hot, but you need dessert. What do you do? Sure, you could scoop ice cream or break out the popsicles, but the Fourth of July calls for something special, and when we think special, we think cake. And not cake that you have to bake. No no no! July […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Holiday Cookies

There’s a lot to love about the holidays, but cookies are pretty high on the list. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite cookie recipes to help inspire your baking. Remember that nearly all cookies are great for freezing, whether in baked or raw dough form, so get a […]