Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

5 of Our Favorite Thanksgiving Desserts

Still looking for something sweet to serve for Thanksgiving dessert? Try one of these—5 of our favorite recipes, any one the perfect end to an extraordinary meal. Maple Pumpkin Pie We think every Thanksgiving table should have a pumpkin pie, and we love this maple version with whipped cream topping. […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

A Sweet Goodbye to Summer Pie Season

As the summer days pass (faster than they have any right to!), there is only one way to slow down and celebrate the last, waning days of the season: bake a pie. We’re sharing some of our best summer pie and tart recipes, celebrating the best sun-kissed fruits like berries, […]

Desserts

Brown Sugar and Oat Crumble

Makes about 2 cups Use this crumble to top a pie or a simple fruit crisp. It can also be baked on a baking sheet as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, pudding, or poached fruit (like this Cardamom-Poached Pear)!

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Common Baking Problems and What They Mean

Even the best-tested recipe can have flaws. After all, we don’t all like our cookies, cakes, or pies exactly the same. Someone’s perfect chocolate chip cookie might be too crisp for you, or too chewy for someone else. The beauty of at-home baking is that you are in charge of […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Cooking with Kids: Tarts and Crafts

Pies are for every day, as far as we’re concerned. But, there are two times of the year that pies get their moment in the spotlight: Thanksgiving (apple pie! pumpkin!) and summer, when there are berries and stone fruit, like peaches and cherries with pits in the middle, perfect for […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Get Ready for Thanksgiving with This Timeline

The key to a smooth, low-stress Thanksgiving isn’t superhuman multitasking—it’s timing. A realistic, chef-tested prep timeline spreads the work over several days so your oven isn’t overwhelmed and you’re not cooking in a panic. Here’s a breakdown that makes sense in a real home kitchen and gives you space to […]

Pies and Tarts

Pâte Sucrée

Makes 1 pound 8 ounces Chef’s Note: This recipe makes enough for two tarts. If you have dough leftover, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it.

Pies and Tarts

Rhubarb Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie Rhubarb is tart, but well-balanced by the oat crumble we’ve paired it with here. Some rhubarb stalks may be tender enough, but if your rhubarb has a thick outer membrane (you can tell by peeling a bit back with your fingers), you may want to remove […]

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 […]