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

Cakes, Desserts

Polenta Cake with Grappa, Berries, and Minted Mascarpone

Makes 6 servings This cake is dense and not too sweet, almost like a sweet cornbread. I like to use coarse polenta so that it also has an interesting texture, but if you have to use regular cornmeal, that works as well. Ingredients Polenta Cake 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at […]

Desserts

Soft Caramels

Makes 1 1/2 lbs Ingredients Flourless cooking spray for greasing 2 cups sugar 1 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup whole or low-fat milk Large zest strips from 1/2 orange 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1/3 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Directions Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking […]

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Mash with Pecan Crumbles

Makes 12 servings Ingredients Sweet Potato Mash 5 lb sweet potatoes, scrubbed, pierced with fork several times (about 12 large potatoes) 8 oz unsalted butter 6 fl oz (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) heavy cream One (1/2-inch piece) peeled ginger, sliced into 1/4-in-thick pieces 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp […]

Desserts

Vanilla-Scented Pears

Makes 3 lb The pears can be prepared in advance. Rapidly cool, then immediately store wrapped in the refrigerator for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. You can also process this mixture with a blender or food processor to make pear sauce. Ingredients 6 tablespoons (3 oz) […]