Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

An Apple a Day…

Apples are really healthy, and tradition says that one a day keeps the doctor away—which is an easy goal when it’s covered with candy! Sure, sure, we should eat apples that aren’t covered in caramel or a crunchy red candy shell, but it’s fall, isn’t it!? If you love those […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Apple Pie Scones

Makes 12 scones Pre-cooking the apples keeps these scones moist, but not soggy. You can do that part a day or two ahead of time, if you like. Galas are a neutral, crisp apple that are great for baking, but you can use Granny Smith or something similar if you […]

Breakfast and Brunch, Family Fun

Banana Nut Loaf

Makes 2 Loaves Ingredients 6 bananas, very ripe 1/4 lemon, peeled or 1 tsp lemon juice 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans Directions Preheat […]

Allergen Friendly, Desserts, Family Fun

Candy Coated Apples

Makes 12 apples These are the crunchy-coated carnival apples of your childhood! You can skip the red food coloring if you prefer. They will be glossy and just as tasty. Keys to Success If using supermarket apples, you must wash off the wax for the candy to adhere. Be careful […]

Desserts

Candy-Coated Fruits

Makes up to 80 pieces Candy-dipped fruits are the perfect combination of fresh fruit and hard candy. They have a crisp outer shell of sugar and the season’s best fruit within—the perfect way to impress your guests at the end of a meal. They should never be refrigerated and must […]

Desserts

Chocolate-Dipped Anything

Makes about 25 pieces Fresh and dried fruit are both ideal for dipping in chocolate. Fresh fruit should be enjoyed within hours of dipping, while dried fruit will keep for weeks. Pretzels, crackers, and virtually any other dry food may also be dipped in chocolate to create quick, easy confections. […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Christmas Brittle

Where I grew up in New Jersey, there was a local candy shop that sold macadamia nut brittle that was a prized possession in my house. It was, as you can expect, expensive as kids candy went, and my parents/Santa only got it once a year to sneak into our […]

Cookies, Family Fun

Cinnamon Bun Cookies

Makes 4 dozen cookies Cookie Dough Ingredients 1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 egg 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Cinnamon Smear Ingredients 5 tablespoons plus 2 […]