Chef's Notes Plus

Recipes Between the Lines: Egg Wash

Egg wash is a common recipe term—and lots of recipes take for granted that the reader knows what it means. And even if you do know the basics of an egg wash, you may not know why you’re using it. An egg wash is a blended mixture of egg, salt, […]

Desserts

Sabayon and Fresh Berry Trifle

Makes 6 servings A trifle traditionally includes cake doused with sherry, a custard, and fresh fruit. This trifle introduces an egg-based sauce that the French call sabayon and the Italians, zabaglione. Marsala, with its rich, raisin-like flavor, gives the custard the same heady aroma that a classic trifle introduces by […]

Desserts

Shortbread Tartlet Shells

This recipe makes a lot of tart shells, and while you can halve the recipe, this tender and buttery dough freezes incredibly well. With just a quick trip to the oven, they are a vehicle for any filling, either homemade or prepared, making them an easy last-minute dessert option you’ll […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Simple Syrup

Keeping a jar of simple syrup in your pantry may seem like a waste of space, but once you have it, you’ll reach for it more than you think. And sure, you can buy a bottle of prepared simple syrup for many dollars, but it’s sort of absurdly easy and […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Simply Put: Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder

“1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder” is a phrase that strikes to the core of any baker who hasn’t yet spent hours of their time figuring out what that means. Read on for a possibly oversimplified but perfectly digestible guide to cocoa powder for your everyday baking needs. 1. There are […]

Desserts

Sponge Candy

Makes one 9×13-inch slab Sponge candy enjoys regional popularity in the United States, and there are at least two candy bars made of sponge candy sold mainly in the United Kingdom. With a little practice, you can make sponge candy every bit as light and airy as these.

Pies and Tarts

Strawberry Balsamic Pie

Makes one nine-inch pie Filling Ingredients 4 cups (1 quart) strawberries, fresh, hulled and halved (or frozen, halved) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup cornstarch Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water and a pinch of salt) Sanding sugar or granulated sugar, as needed […]

Chef's Blog

Sunday Meal Prep: Cookie Edition

This week, we’re borrowing some time from our Sunday meal prep to sneak a few treats into our cookie jars and freezers. Follow our lead and load your freezer with your family’s traditional can’t-miss cookies. Be sure you make your to-do list now so you can relish in the satisfaction […]

Desserts

Swiss Meringue

Makes about 6 cups With this meringue method, warming the egg whites and sugar dissolves the sugar to create a smooth texture and heats the eggs for a food-safe and stable meringue. For a common (or French) meringue, use the same ingredients and whip without heating. Add 1/8 teaspoon of […]

Desserts

Tarte Tatin

Makes 6 servings Although Tarte Tatin seems quite elegant and, in some restaurants, liberties have been taken to fancy it up, it is really just a simple apple tart. Though fancy versions exist, we think that simpler is better. Remove all the bells and whistles and keep it simple—a good […]