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

All About Rolling Pins

Available in many shapes and materials, rolling pins are essential to pie making and are necessary for rolling dough evenly. The most common rolling pin material is hardwood, but for pastry items, like pie dough, you might select marble or stainless steel, as these materials will remain cool and not […]

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 […]

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.

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Raspberry Mascarpone Tart

Makes one 9-inch tart A simple but stunning tart that features ripe raspberries on a layer of lemon and honey-sweetened mascarpone. Try substituting other berries depending on what is available at your local farm stand. Strawberries are a typical early summer choice, but as the berry season comes into full […]

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 […]

Pies and Tarts

Vanilla Tart Dough

Makes one disc, enough for one 9- to 11-inch tart or twelve 3 ¼-inch tartlets Unbaked Tart Shell: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/8-inch. If making tartlets, it may be necessary to reroll the scraps: Stack the scraps, gently press them together, chill, if […]