Use this pie dough for chicken pot pies and other savory fillings. INGREDIENTS: 1 8-ounce brick cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup butter, at room temperature 1/4 cup cream 1 teaspoon salt 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour METHOD: In a food processor bowl, process the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add...Read More

These intensely chocolate cakes always garner “oohs and ahs” when they arrive at the table. Use the best quality chocolate – I use Valhrona. For a larger group, the recipe is easily doubled. This dessert can be easily assembled in minutes. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for molds 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, plus...Read More

This intensely chocolate moist torte is delicious served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream flavored with a teaspoon of brandy. Torte may be made 2 days ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups chopped Medjool dates (each cut into 6 pieces), about 9 ounces 1 cup dried...Read More

Be sure to grate the zest before juicing the fruit. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups fresh tangerine juice 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons grated tangerine zest 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste METHOD: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of the tangerine juice and the sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally,...Read More

“A chopped whole Meyer lemon adds texture and a big flavor punch to traditional lemon bars.” — Julie O’Hara INGREDIENTS: For Crust: 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt Zest of 1 Meyer lemon 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks For Filling: 1 whole Meyer lemon, cut into chunks...Read More

In the winter, fresh crop almonds are plentiful at our farmers’ markets. Toffee makes a delightful holiday gift from your kitchen and is very easy to make! INGREDIENTS: 2 cups raw almonds 1 1/2 cups butter (use fresh, flavorful butter) 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/4 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup water...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups sugar 2/3 cup corn syrup 1/3 cup cold water 2/3 cup chopped dried apricots 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped walnuts METHOD: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and syrup. Bring mixture to a boil, and cover the pot for three minutes to wash down crystals on sides...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup solid shortening (Crisco), divided into 7 or 8 pieces 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed into small pieces 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar, if desired 4 tablespoons cold water 1 egg 1 teaspoon vinegar METHOD: Place flour, salt, and sugar (if used)  in the processor bowl. Pulse once...Read More

This shortcut spice mix is often called for in pumpkin pie recipes, but it is also delicious used in savory baked pumpkin or squash recipes, cookies, sweet potato pie, custard, cheesecake, and more. Made with ingredients most of us have in our pantries, why buy a spice mix when you can easily blend your own?...Read More

These bars have a delightful meringue-like crust and are easy to make for a weeknight dessert. INGREDIENTS: Crust 1 1/2 cups all-purpose 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (4 ounces) butter, cold, cut into 1/2 inch chunks 2 tablespoons lemon zest 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Filling 4 large eggs 1/4 teaspoon...Read More