Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient ID: Cultured Dairy Products

Buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, and crème fraîche are all dairy products that have a characteristic sour and tangy flavor due to the addition of a bacterial culture or lactic acid. After the addition of the culture, these products are heated, allowing the bacteria to convert the sugars to lactic acid, […]

Desserts

Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot)

Makes 10 donuts Whether you save them as a special Hanukkah treat or enjoy them year round, there is no wrong reason to eat a jelly donut. Use any jelly or jam that you like best, or fill the donuts with dulce de leche, vanilla cream, or chocolate-hazelnut spread. Ingredients […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Making Biscuits

The technique used to makes biscuits and scones is known as a rubbed dough method. Instead of soft batters that drop easily from the spoon, biscuits, scones, and soda breads are made from a stiff dough that can be rolled and cut. Keep Ingredients Cool Any liquids or fats that […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Masala Chai

Chai is a popular Indian beverage made from black tea, milk, a sweetener, and spices. Mixtures known as chai masala may include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns to give the drink its heady aroma. Some sugar or honey is essential to bring out all the flavors. Makes 8 servings

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mascarpone Cheese

Makes 2 cups Ingredients 2 quarts high-quality heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar Directions In a heavy bottomed pot over moderate heat, heat the cream to 180°F, stirring often to prevent scorching. Remove from the heat. Add the tartaric acid and let the cream coagulate into a curd. Line […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Milk Chocolate Pudding with Chantilly Cream

Makes 8 servings Pudding Ingredients 3/4 cup sugar (divided use) 1/3 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3 cups whole or low-fat milk (divided use) 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 4 ounces milk chocolate, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Chantilly Cream Directions In […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Minguichi (Chile and Cheese Soup)

Makes 6 servings This soup, from Michoacán in Western Mexico, is perfect at the end of summer when the tomatoes and corn are at their best, but it’s just as flavorful in the winter, and even quicker to make from canned tomatoes and frozen corn. If you wish, you can […]

Pantry

Mozzarella Cheese

Makes 2 pounds Ingredients 6 oz salt 1 gallon water 2 lb mozzarella cheese curd, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Directions Add the salt to the water and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat. Place the cheese curd in a bowl and pour enough water around the […]

Desserts

Panna Cotta

Makes 5 servings You can flavor panna cotta with many things, including vanilla, cracked coffee beans, lemon zest, cardamom pods, or anything else you fancy. For different flavors simply add the flavoring ingredient to the milk and let infuse for about 30 minutes while it is heating and then strain […]

Desserts

Pastry Cream

Makes about 2 cups Pastry cream, which is essentially vanilla pudding, is incredibly versatile. It is commonly found as a filling in eclairs or as the base of a fresh fruit tart, but you can also use it for trifles, as a layer cake filling, in a cream pie, or […]

Desserts

Pâte à Choux

Makes about 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup whole or low-fat milk 8 tablespoons (1 stick; 4 oz) unsalted butter, diced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup bread flour, sifted 3 large eggs 1 large egg white Egg wash (1 large egg whisked with 2 tablespoons cold milk or water) Directions Combine […]