Key Lime Pie

 
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A true summer classic, tart and sweet Key Lime Pie is one of our favorite desserts! For our version, we’ve used a classic graham cracker crust filled with a surprisingly simple custard made of key lime juice, key lime zest, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk. The creamy, smooth filling is topped with a generous amount of whipped coconut cream to double down on the tropical flavors of this wonderful treat.

Key Lime Pie with Whipped Coconut Cream
Makes one 9" pie

Pie Filling:
2 cans (14 oz each sweetened condensed milk
7 large egg yolks, beaten
3/4 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest

Coconut Whipped Cream:
1 cup cold whipping cream
1/3 cup coconut cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toasted Coconut Graham Cracker Crust:
1 -1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sweetened coconut flakes, toasted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Pinch of salt

Garnish:
Key lime zest, lime slices, and/or toasted coconut

Directions:
1. Prepare the key lime pie filling by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest and thicken at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325° F. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and toasted coconut flakes until they are ground into fine crumbs. Pour the crumb mixture into a medium bowl and stir in the sugar and salt until evenly incorporated. Add the butter and mix the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. The mixture will be slightly wet and sandy. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a greased pie pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove and cool the pie crust slightly on a cooling rack.

3. Pour the filling into the warm crust and bake the pie until set, about 25-35 minutes, until pie is firm to the touch but the center is slightly jiggly (it will continue to set as it cools). Cool on a cooling rack for 1-2 hours and then refrigerate for an additional 2 hours or overnight.

4. Once the pie has chilled, prepare the coconut whipped cream. In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, pour the cold whipping cream, coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a chilled bowl, and beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Top the key lime pie with the whipped cream, lime slices, lime zest, and toasted coconut. Serve immediately.

 

Banana Cream Pie

 
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Banana Cream Pie is a favorite across many generations for a good reason! The memorable flavors of sweet banana and creamy vanilla custard are wonderfully compatible and so delicious. This recipe introduces a playful peanut butter graham cracker crust that can’t be beat. But, the real show stopper is the impressive meringue topping, caramelized by the kitchen’s most thrilling tool — the culinary torch!

Banana Cream Pie
Makes One 9” Pie

Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Crust:
4 tablespoons butter, plus 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the pie pan
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (roughly 14 whole graham cracker sheets)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Meringue:
3 large pasteurized egg whites, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup superfine caster sugar

Custard Filling:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
3 large yolks (reserve the whites for the meringue)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
2 large bananas, sliced

Prepare the crust:
Generously butter a 9" pie pan. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. In a medium sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in the microwave and in a small bowl, stir together with the peanut butter until combined. Slowly add the butter and peanut butter to the graham cracker mix, using your hands to combine until the crust beings to stick together. Press the mixture evenly to the bottom and up the sides of the buttered pie pan. Chill the pie crust for about 2 hours.

Make the custard and banana filling:
In a medium sauce pan, heat the milk over medium until milk is just scalding. (You will know it is scalding when the milk reaches 180°F and it begins to steam and bubbles start to form.) In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, egg yolks, sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Stream in 1/2-cup of the hot milk stirring continuously. Gradually add the remaining hot milk continuing to stir. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan used to heat the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until the mixture comes to a soft boil, stirring all the while. Remove from heat. While hot, add the vanilla extract and the cubes of butter. Stir until the butter is melted and combined into the mixture. Set the mixture aside to cool to room temperature. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the pastry cream to prevent the formation of a “skin.” Refrigerate for one hour or until cooled. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the chilled graham cracker crust. Pour the custard filling on top of the bananas. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Make the meringue:
In a stand mixer set to low speed, beat the egg whites until they are frothy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the mixer speed to medium. Continue beating the egg whites until large bubbles form around the edges and the whites begin to get fluy. Gradually add the sugar one teaspoon at a time until fully incorporated. Continue beating on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon the egg whites over the top of the custard, evenly spreading and covering the pie all the way to the edge of the crust. Use the back of a spoon to lift up the egg whites to create varying peaks. Use a culinary torch to toast and gently caramelize the meringue. Serve and enjoy!

 

Spicy Chocolate Mousse Pie

 

In this recipe, we explore the uniquely complex and deeply satisfying flavors of Mexican chocolate. This Spicy Chocolate Mousse Pie boasts a crumbly, chocolate cookie crust, and a mousse so light it almost evaporates in your mouth. Meanwhile, a little sweet heat is left behind ready to tickle your taste buds!

Spicy Chocolate Mousse Pie with Fresh, Homemade Vanilla Whipped Cream
Makes one 9-inch pie

Chocolate Mousse Filling:
1 tablespoon hot water
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
4 pasteurized egg whites (or 1/2 cup pasteurized liquid egg whites)
1 cup sugar
10 oz. 70% semisweet baking chocolate, chopped, plus some for garnishing
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust:
2-1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (roughly 30 cookies; like Oreos)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
Pinch of salt
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the pie dish

Vanilla Whipped Cream:
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Make the crust. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a pie dish pan with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

2. In a food processor, pulse the chocolate cookies (including filling) until fine crumbs form, about 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon, espresso powder and a pinch of salt and pulse a few times to incorporate. In a medium bowl, melt the remaining butter and mix in the cookie crumbs, coating them until the crumbs are coated.

3. Pour the crumb mixture into the pie dish and use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly to the edges to create a crust. Bake for 10 minutes until crust is set. Let it cool to room temperature.

4. Prepare the mousse filling by combining the espresso powder in the hot water, stirring until dissolved. Set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites and sugar on medium high speed until the whites have tripled in volume and stiff peaks have formed, roughly 5-6 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture into a large bowl.

5. Clean the mixing bowl and in the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and vanilla on medium-high speed until medium peaks form and the cream is pillowy, roughly 2 minutes. Do not over whisk.

6. Melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl positioned over a saucepan of simmering water stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth, roughly 4-5 minutes. Stir in the espresso mixture.

7. Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the egg whites, then gently fold in the whipped cream to the egg and chocolate mixture until no white streaks are left. Do not over mix or the mousse will start to deflate.

8. Use a large spoon to scoop the mousse into the pie dish and spread it evenly over the bottom of the crust. Mound the remaining in the center to be higher than the crust edge. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

9. Make the whipped cream topping by whisking the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, roughly 2 minutes. Do not over whip or the cream will become curdled and grainy. Top the pie with the whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle with the shaved chocolate and dust with a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne, if desired.

 

Winter Pear Galette

 

Warm, spicy pears are our winter season indulgence, and we couldn’t be happier about it! In this recipe, we share our simple go-to pastry crust that comes together quickly for this impressive dessert. The warm cinnamon-y pears and flaky crust topped with cold, vanilla bean ice cream completes any occasion in sweet style.

Winter Pear Galette
Serves 4

Filling Ingredients:
3 Asian pears, cored and cut into thin 1/8" slices using a mandoline
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup honey (for drizzling)

Crust Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), grated and well chilled
4-6 tablespoons ice water

Crust Topping:
1 egg, whisked for egg wash
1 tablespoon coarse sugar

For Serving:
Vanilla Ice cream
Sprinkle of cinnamon
1/4 cup slivered almonds, optional
1/3 cup honey for drizzling, optional

Directions:
(The crust may be mixed by hand or with a food processor. )
1. For the crust, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl with a whisk until evenly distributed.

2. Prepare the ice water by filling a small bowl with ice cubes and adding water.

3. Place the grated butter in the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter and flour mixture together until a coarse texture is reached with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of the ice water by sprinkling on top of the flour/butter mixture. With a fork, gently toss the mixture. Continue adding ice water one tablespoon at a time tossing after each addition until a rough ball of dough forms. (Avoid adding too much water.)

5. Flatten the dough ball into a disk about a one-inch thick, and wrap in plastic wrap.

6. Chill the wrapped dough disk for an hour or overnight.

7. On a pastry slab or a cutting board, divide the dough into two even balls. Place the first half of the dough directly on a sheet of parchment paper and roll into a rough square, about 1/8-inch-thick. Create a straight edge by folding 1” of the dough onto itself around the perimeter. Chill for 15 minutes. While the first half is chilling, prepare the second half of dough into a square, as well, chill.

8. Preheat the oven to 425° F.

9. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix the pear slices with the brown sugar, vanilla, lemon peel, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Toss until evenly coated.

10. Assemble the galettes. Group pear slices together, and carefully arrange overlapping the slices.

11. Distribute the butter pieces evenly on the pears and use a pastry brush to brush the crust with the lightly beaten egg. Sprinkle the coarse sugar on top of the crust.

12. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust lightly browns. Serve with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon while still slightly warm.

 

Salted Caramels

 
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Everyone loves the captivating flavors of fresh homemade caramels! 

The little known secret? They are deceptively easy to make. Fresh, homemade caramels make great treats for sharing as little gifts in the holiday weeks ahead. IN THIS ISSUE, we show you, step-by-step, how to  master boutique caramels made in your own kitchen.

Handcrafted Caramels
Makes about 120 - 140 pieces, depending on size

Ingredients:
Vegetable oil (for coating pan)
3 cups heavy cream
3 cups granulated white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups light corn syrup
1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Prepare a 9 x 13 rimmed pan prior to starting to cook. Oil the bottom and sides of the pan well using a tasteless vegetable oil, one that stays liquid at room temperature. Line the pan with a criss-cross of parchment paper cut to match the pan’s size with a little extra at the ends; avoid any wrinkles in the corners. Set aside.

2. Wipe the interior of a large saucepan or Dutch oven with a light coating of oil. Measure the heavy cream, sugars, light corn syrup and salt into the pan. Over medium-low heat, stir the ingredients together until well-combined and the sugar is dissolved.

3. Increase the heat to medium. Continue stirring until the cream-sugar mixture reaches a boil. Stop stirring. Using a brush dipped in warm water, wash down any sugar crystals that may have formed on the edge of the pan. Allow the mixture to cook, without stirring, until it reaches the firm-ball stage, around 248°F as measured on a candy thermometer clamped to the side of the pan. (If you do not have a candy thermometer, use a water test to check for the appropriate sugar stage. A drop (approximately 1/4 teaspoon) of caramel in cold water should form a firm ball, yet be pliable.)

4. Remove the caramel from heat, add the butter and vanilla stirring until melted and well-combined with the cream-sugar mixture. (Cutting the butter into half-inch cubes will help to efficiently melt and distribute this key ingredient.)

5. Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared, lined pan. Allow the caramel to set and cool to room temperature. This will take several hours or overnight. (For evenly sized caramels, make sure the pan is setting on a level surface.)

6. Once cooled, lift the sheet of caramel from the pan to a safe cutting surface. The caramel should retain its shape. Neaten the edges of the caramel to remove the rounded edges. Cut the caramel slab vertically and horizontally in desired sizes and shapes with a long-bladed cook’s knife. We suggest 1-1/4-inch by 1/2-inch pieces, or 1-inch squares. Wrap the pieces in nonstick wrap such as parchment paper. Store at cool room temperatures for up to 2-3 weeks.

 

Wine Poached Pears

 

When we want to embrace the beauty of the season, we turn to wine poached pears. THIS ISSUE features poached pears, served alongside vanilla bourbon mascarpone whipped cream. The subtle sweetness of this dish is exactly what we need to offset any holiday sugar highs, and nothing looks more striking.

Wine Poached Pears with Bourbon Mascarpone Whipped Cream
Makes about 4 poached pears

When we want to embrace the beauty of the season, we turn to wine poached pears. This recipe features poached pears, served alongside vanilla bourbon mascarpone whipped cream. The subtle sweetness of this dish is exactly what we need to offset any holiday sugar highs, and nothing looks more striking.

Ingredients:
4 Bosch pears, peeled with stem in-tact
1 bottle of dry red wine (750ml)
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
3 sticks of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1 vanilla bean pod, halved and seeds scraped

Bourbon Mascarpone Whipped Cream Ingredients:
4 oz Mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon bourbon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Peel the pears, carefully leaving the stems in place.

2. Combine the red wine, water, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla bean seeds in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the peeled pears making sure they are covered in the liquid. Simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the pears are tender and red, then chill the pears. Cook the wine mixture down into a sauce by simmering for an additional 45 minutes - 1 hour, or until your desired sauce consistency is reached.

3. Attach a chilled mixing bowl to a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Add the mascarpone cheese and sugar and mix together on high until fully combined, about 3 minutes. Add the cream, bourbon, and vanilla extract, and mix ingredients together, starting on low speed, then increasing to a high speed, whipping until soft peaks form, roughly 8 minutes.

4. Serve immediately alongside the chilled pears, drizzle with the reduced wine sauce, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

 

Chocolate Orange Holiday Cookies

 

The flavors of chocolate and orange are a classic holiday duo for well-deserved reasons! In this recipe, rich dark chocolate is paired with light and bright citrus, resulting in a cookie that tastes so sophisticated, you’ll be happy you if you chose to make a double batch!

Chocolate Orange Cookies - Slice & Bake Makes about 24 cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed orange juice
2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 medium orange)
4 oz dark chocolate chunks, finely chopped, plus 16 oz dark chocolate chunks for melting
Coarse sugar for rolling, (such as sugar in the raw)
Flake sea salt
Additional orange zest for sprinkling

Directions:
1. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugars and beat on medium until light and fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract and beat on high speed until the ingredients are fully combined, roughly 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a spatula as needed. Add the orange juice and continue mixing for another minute. 

2. Sift the flour in a separate bowl and mix in the salt and cardamom. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Fold in the orange zest and the 4 oz of finely chopped chocolate until evenly distributed. Gather and remove the dough from the mixer.

3. On a floured surface, divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log, about 2-1/2 inches in diameter, and wrap in plastic wrap. Completely chill the dough (for at least 2 hrs, or for up to 1 week).

4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove one of the dough logs from the refrigerator. Roll the logs in the coarse sugar and use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the log into individual rounds, roughly 1/2" thick. Place the cookies on a large cookie sheet, roughly 2" apart and bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges of cookies are just starting to brown. Cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

5. While the cookies are cooling, melt 16 oz of chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave (careful not to burn the chocolate if microwaving!). Dip each cookie halfway into the chocolate to coat one half, and place the half-coated cookie on a parchment paper, or a silicone-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the cookies with the flake salt and orange zest. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate set.

Store the cookies in the refrigerator to ensure the chocolate stays set.