Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Cheese Plate

As a last course, a composed plate of one cheese with one or more accompaniments can be a nice alternative to a sweet dessert. And, of course, nothing makes for a perfect party more than a cheese board for grazing. A variety of approaches can be taken when creating a […]

Pies and Tarts

The CIA Apple Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie They say if you love somebody, you give them diamonds—but we think if you truly love someone, you bake them a pie. This classic apple pie is a crowd-pleaser no matter what table it lands on, and friends and family will taste the love in each […]

Chef's Blog

Tips for the Perfect Fruit Pie Without a Recipe

In a moment of introspection, it has occurred to us that “pie season” is sort of a disingenuous concept. We are currently in the thick of summer pie season, but also, we are on the tail end of late spring pie season. And before we know it, it will be […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Troubleshooting: Powdery Film on Chocolate

You’ve had that bar of baking chocolate in the pantry for months, and maybe you’ve just grabbed it for a recipe and noticed it looks a little… off. Maybe there’s a powdery film on the surface, or the whole thing looks a little cloudy. Not quite like the creamy chocolate […]

Cookies, Desserts

Turtle Bars

Makes one 9-in by 13-in pan You can use any nuts to finish this bar—pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even a mixture.

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Valentine’s Day Menus to Celebrate Your Way

Valentine’s Day menus tend to showcase foods that to some may feel fussy, extravagant, or just not their style. And while we love oysters and caviar and good Champagne, we’re also big fans of cozy pot pies, stuffed mushrooms, and chocolate in any form. After all, food can be special […]

Desserts

Vanilla Fudge

Makes one 9-inch square slab A vanilla bean cooked with the batch gives this fudge an ethereal vanilla fragrance, with the added bonus of tiny black vanilla seeds throughout the fudge. It is like perfect vanilla ice cream transformed into candy.  

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.

Desserts

Vanilla-Scented Pear Strudel

Makes 12 servings The unbaked strudels can be made in advance. Immediately store wrapped in the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for 3 months. The strudel does not have to be thawed before baking. Note: This recipe was originally printed in Modern Buffet Presentation (2015, Wiley) by […]

Desserts

Vanilla-Scented Pears

Makes 3 lb The pears can be prepared in advance. Rapidly cool, then immediately store wrapped in the refrigerator for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. You can also process this mixture with a blender or food processor to make pear sauce. Note: This recipe was originally […]