1 vanilla bean, scraped of seeds or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Directions:
Boil the milk with the vanilla bean seeds and pod (do not add vanilla extract here). With a hand-held electric mixer, beat the sugar into the egg yolks until thick and fluffy. Beat in the cornstarch. Remove and discard vanilla bean pod. Add boiled milk in dribbles while beating at low speed in an electric mixer.
Transfer the mixture to a heavy-bottomed nonreactive saucepan. Set over low heat and, stirring constantly, cook until the sauce thickens into a light, creamy mixture. Do not simmer or the egg yolks will curdle.
Remove the sauce from the heat (add the vanilla extract if the vanilla bean was not used), whisk for a moment, and strain through a fine sieve. After cooling, cover the surface of the sauce with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Have you got time for thyme in your cooking? Use this herb in a frosty Lemon-Thyme Granita and a light, side-dish salad Capellini with Tomatoes, Watercress and Herbs.
If there had to be one utilitarian, all-purpose herb, it would have to be thyme. The herb thyme lends a pungent, lemonlike flavor to any dish you use it in. If you haven't tried thyme in your cooking, there's no reason not to. Grow a patch in your vegetable garden, and then use the leaves in a refreshing, light Lemon-Thyme Granita and a quick-and-delicious side dish, Capellini with Tomatoes, Watercress and Herbs. Have you got time for thyme?
RECIPES
Lemon-Thyme Granita Makes 10 servings
To avoid last-minute preparations for this dessert, make this frosty confection up to a week in advance of serving.
In a heavy saucepan, bring the water, sugar and 6 sprigs of lemon balm, if using, to a boil over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat; discard the lemon balm and cool syrup over a bowl of ice water until cold.
In a metal bowl, whisk together the syrup, lemon juice, lemon rind, thyme and vodka, if using, and place in the freezer. For faster freezing, pour the mixture into a shallow dish such as a pie plate. Whisk the mixture every 30 minutes until frozen, about 3 to 4 hours.
If using the lemons, remove the ink on the lemons by rubbing with almond extract. Cut off one quarter of each lemon at the stem end. Using a grapefruit knife, cut between the pulp and the pith of each lemon. Remove the pulp with a grapefruit spoon or a melon baller, scraping the shell clean.
Break the frozen mixture into small chunks. Transfer the chunks to a chilled mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy but not melted. Return the mixture quickly to the container used to freeze the mixture. Cover and freeze until the mixture is firm. Store, covered, in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
To serve, scrape across the top of the granita with a tablespoon and form the granita into 2-inch balls. (If the mixture is very firm and unable to be formed easily, you may need to let it stand for 5 minutes at room temperature.) Mound the balls in each lemon shell, if desired, or in a serving glass. Garnish with half a sprig of lemon balm, a few sprigs of thyme or a few fresh berries, if desired.
Capellini with Tomatoes, Watercress and Herbs Makes 4 servings
Watercress leaves add a spicy, peppery taste to this fresh and easy salad. For a lighter flavor, use spinach leaves in place of the arugula and less strong-flavored herbs from the oregano, tarragon and summer savory used here. Serve the salad at room temperature; chill any leftovers.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for water
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups small arugula leaves or torn fresh spinach
1 cup watercress leaves
1/2 cup chopped assorted fresh herb leaves, stems removed*, such as thyme, basil, oregano, summer savory, tarragon, and Italian parsley, plus 7 whole leaves of basil
1 pound dried capellini
Shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are golden, about 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium low; add the tomatoes, arugula or spinach, watercress, and chopped herbs. Simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Cover a large pot of salted water, and bring to a boil. Drop the pasta into the boiling water; stir to keep the pasta from sticking together. Cook until al dente; drain, reserving a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Fry the basil leaves until they begin to curl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the leaves to paper towels to drain. Drain the pasta, and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the vegetables; toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with basil leaves, Parmesan, and lemon wedges.
*Note: The herb leaves are easier to remove from the stems if you plunge the herb bunches briefly into ice water. Shake off the excess water before removing the leaves.
Kitchen Tip To easily remove the leaves of thyme, first plunge a bunch briefly into ice water, then shake off the excess water. To chop thyme leaves easily, place them in a glass measuring cup and snip them with a pair of kitchen scissors.
Caramel apples are a favorite snack, and one you probably remember from your childhood. Learn how to make some of these sweet treats.
You probably remember the first time you bit into a caramel apple when you were a child. First you encounter the rich, sweet caramel coating (the part everyone likes) and then your teeth reach the firm, tart apple as you bite into it with a satisfying crunch.
Kids love crunchy, sticky caramel apples. Use you children's favorite variety of apple for that perfect blend of tart and sweet. Red Delicious and Rome Beauties are always a good bet. Another great variety of apple to use is the Jonathan; choose whichever apple is fresh and delicious (local orchards and farm markets will have the best varieties). Be sure to wash the apples well and dry them before applying the sweet caramel topping to the apple skins.
When working with hot caramel, we recommend keeping a bowl of ice-cold water on hand as an antidote to any splatters that threaten to scald your skin. In the event you do get any of the hot caramel on your hands and fingers, immediately plunge them into the ice water. Also, because of the risk of burns, never allow young children to handle hot caramel. You can find wooden ice-cream sticks at a craft store or a hobby shop. Or, try using wooden plant markers, which are sturdy due to their width.
RECIPE Caramel Apples
Makes 4 caramel apples
Ingredients:
4 apples
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
Wash and dry the apples well. Insert wooden sticks into the stem ends of the apples.
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, condensed milk, heavy cream, milk and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 248 degrees F. on a candy thermometer (or until a bit of syrup dropped into cold water forms a firm, pliable ball).
Stir in vanilla, then put the pan in a bowl of hot water to keep the caramel soft.
Dip the apples in the caramel, coating well. Allow the excess to drip off, then roll in walnuts (if desired) and let cool on waxed paper.
While their popularity may be universal, there is much debate among chocolate lovers about baking the perfect brownie. Some prefer their brownie to be rich, dense and almost fudgelike, while others relish light, cakelike brownies. Finally, there are brownie purists who feel that a good brownie needs no final adornments, while some bakers prefer nuts or frosting on their brownies.
Today, we share our favorite brownie recipe, which leaves out the nuts and frosting and features a generous amount of chocolate chips. When baking these brownies, be careful not to overcook them. They should be moist, but not dry. Using the best-quality chocolate you can find (we've used Valrhona chocolate in our recipe) will only accentuate the rich flavor of the brownies.
RECIPE
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Brownies
Makes 16
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces (1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F., with a rack in the center of the oven. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Coat the parchment paper with butter and lightly flour parchment paper. Set baking pan aside.
In a large heatproof bowl, combine the butter and unsweetened chocolate and place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the butter and chocolate are completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine eggs, vanilla extract and sugar; beat on high speed for 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low; add melted chocolate mixture, beating to combine. Add flour and salt gradually, beating just until the dry ingredients are combined (do not overmix). Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips by hand.
Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake brownies until edges just begin to pull away from the side of the pan, but the center is still moist, about 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Remove cooled brownies from pan. Using a damp, warm knife, cut into 16 squares, wiping knife blade after each cut. Peel off parchment paper and serve. Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
SOURCES
Valrhona Caraque semisweet chocolate
Valrhona Extra Bitter unsweetened chocolate
New York Cake & Baking Distributor 56 West 22nd Street New York, NY 10010 212-675-2253 or 800-942-2539
Brew up a batch of coffeehouse coffees right from your own kitchen without the special use of equipment. Find out how to prepare the best cappuccinos and café lattes.
Imagine walking into your neighborhood coffeehouse. The aroma of roasted coffee beans, the hiss of steamed milk from the espresso machine, and the clink of mugs greet you as you walk through the door. It's certainly the place to go for specialty coffees like café latte, cappuccino and espresso.
But you don't have to visit your local java joint to enjoy your favorite brew. In fact, you can make those fancy coffees right in your own kitchen without all of those hissing machines, or any other special equipment. All you need is a simple drip coffeemaker and a little ingenuity.
Most specialty coffees start with a base of espresso. To make espresso, it's important to start with a high-quality coffee roast. Both French and espresso roasts are excellent choices, since the resulting coffee will be strong. You can buy whole beans at the supermarket and grind them yourself in a coffee grinder, or you can have them ground when you purchase them.
Espresso
In a regular drip coffeemaker, add 1/3 cup of ground beans for every 1 cup of cold water. Brew the coffee according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once brewed, you can then use the espresso to make a specialty coffee (see variations below; all of the recipes will yield about 4 servings). If you prefer plain espresso, simply pour the coffee into small cups (for regular coffee mugs, fill them only about 1/2 full). Serve with sugar cubes.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is espresso topped with a fluffy head of frothed milk. To make cappuccino, prepare a pot of espresso (as directed above). Heat 1 cup of milk in a microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until hot; do not boil the milk. Pour the milk into a lidded, heat-resistant container. Apply the lid to the container and shake vigorously until the milk is foamy (alternatively, whisk the milk in a bowl until the milk becomes frothy). For each serving, pour the espresso into the coffee cups. Top each cup with a generous amount of the frothed milk. You can even sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon or shavings of chocolate, if desired.
Café Latte
Café latte mixes a small amount of espresso with hot steamed milk. To make cafe latte, brew a pot of espresso (directions above). Heat 2 cups of milk in a microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until hot; do not boil the milk. For each serving, mix together 1/4 cup of espresso and 1/2 cup of hot steaming milk. Pour the mixture into each coffee cup and serve plain or top with a head of frothed milk (see directions above for making frothed milk).
Dessert Coffee
If espresso isn't your favorite type of coffee, you can make a delicious dessert coffee with almost any type of roast available in supermarkets. Prepare coffee as directed by the manufacturer's instructions for your coffeemaker. With a wire whisk, whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl until the cream forms soft peaks. For each serving, pour the coffee into the coffee cups, and add a generous dollop of whipped cream to the top. You can garnish the top with a sprinkling of shaved chocolate, if desired.
So instead of heading out to enjoy a cup of coffee, why not stay in and turn your kitchen into a one-stop coffeehouse for you and your friends and family?
Sources: Bodum Chambord 8-cup French press coffeemaker, $18.95; Braun coffee mill (#KMM20), Krups touch-top coffee grinder (1.6 oz.), $10.00; Krups fast-touch coffee grinder (3 oz.); all from Porto Rico Importing Co., 201 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-477-5421 or 800-453-5908. Catalogue available. Oxygen-bleached coffee filters (#4), $1.95 for box of 100, from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters; 800-223-6768. Catalogue available. Espresso cups, $98 for a set of 6 with coffee, both from Illy Espresso; 800-USA-ILLY (800-872-4559) for more information.
Turn to these kitchen timesavers to help you add flavor and interest to your dishes. Find out how to make your own curry powder, yogurt cheese and preserved lemons.
Sometimes when you're in the kitchen, you feel the urge to "cook ahead." If it's the holiday season, you may prepare pie crusts in advance. Or even if you're planning dinner and are streamlining your preparation schedule, you may cut up vegetables or prepare a basting sauce for your barbecue. These little timesavers work well, especially when you're trying to fit everything into your busy schedule. If you do find yourself with a few moments to spare in the kitchen, why not prepare one of the three recipes below?
Curry powder adds zip and zing to almost any dish, but have you ever tried preparing your own? By toasting and grinding a fragrant mixture of spices yourself, you'll have a more complex and flavorful curry powder than the store-bought version. If you like cream cheese, you may want to try yogurt cheese.
Yogurt cheese is a unusual but delicious alternative to cream cheese. You can season it with herbs and pepper for serving with crackers as an appetizer, or with honey and fresh berries for dessert.
Preserved lemons are easy to make, and they add a slightly salty, tangy taste to salads, fish and chicken dishes.
Curry Powder Makes about 2 tablespoons
2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds
2 whole red chiles
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
8 curry leaves, fresh or dried
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
In a small, cast-iron skillet, toast the coriander, cumin, mustard and fenugreek seeds over a medium-high flame until the spices become fragrant and begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Shake the pan frequently to prevent the spices from burning.
Pour the toasted spices into a spice grinder and add the chiles, peppercorns, curry leaves,ginger and turmeric. Grind until the spices are smooth. For best results, use the curry powder immediately or store it in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
Sources: Indian coriander seed, yellow mustard seed, and fenugreek seed, $1.25 for each 3 1/2-ounce bag; cumin seed, Malabar black peppercorns, ground ginger, and turmeric, $1.75 for each 3 1/2-ounce bag; whole red chiles, $1.25 for 1 ounce, and fresh curry leaves, $1.25 a bunch, all from Kalustyan's 123 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016; 212-685-3451.
Yogurt Cheese Makes about 1 2/3 cups
4 cups plain low-fat yogurt (1 quart)
Fresh herbs (optional)
Honey (optional)
Technique:
Dampen and wring out four layers of cheesecloth.
Lay the cheesecloth over a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Spoon the yogurt into the center of the cheesecloth.
Tie the corners of the cheesecloth around a spoon and rest the spoon across the bowl, suspending the yogurt over the bottom of the bowl.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. The liquid will drain away from the cheesecloth sack, leaving you with yogurt cheese in the cheesecloth sack.
Remove the yogurt from the cheesecloth, and serve, seasoned with herbs or flavored with honey, if desired.
Preserved Lemons Makes 16 wedges
2 lemons
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice or enough to cover lemon wedges
Olive oil (optional)
Technique:
Scrub and dry the lemons. Cut each into eight wedges. Mix together the salt and sugar in a small bowl. Pour the salt mixture into a pint jar with a nonreactive lid, pack in the lemon wedges, and cover the wedges completely with lemon juice.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 1 week. Shake the jar every day in order to distribute the salt and juice mixture over the lemon wedges.
To use the preserved lemons, remove the lemons from the jar and rinse them under cold running water, removing and discarding the pulp. Slice or chop the rind according to your recipe. After opening the jar, refrigerate the unused preserved lemons in their pickling liquid in the jar. You can also rinse the preserved lemons, remove the pulp and pack them in a jar covered with olive oil.
If you're shipping Christmas cookies this holiday season, it helps to keep a few tips in mind to make sure your baked goods reach their destination safely. Air-popped popcorn makes inexpensive, excellent packing material. Plus, it's environmentally sound. The popcorn will also soften the impact of any bumps your package will encounter along its way.
Taking time to prepare your cookie tins properly will also minimize the risk of having your cookies crack or crumble in their journey. Line the bottom of a cookie tin with a layer of parchment paper topped by a layer of waxed paper. To achieve a perfect circle, use the top of the cookie tin as a pattern or use a Fiskars Rotary Cutter. Line the inside of the cookie tin with a strip of corrugated cardboard cut to fit the dimensions of the inner edge of the tin and the ends taped together at the seam. Carefully place cooled cookies in tin. Cover cookies with a round of parchment paper. If your cookies are particularly fragile or are a wafer-type cookie, place a round of parchment paper in between each layer of cookies.
To embellish the outside of the tin, tape a strip of corrugated cardboard around the outside of the tin. Secure in place with a ribbon. Add any festive touch you prefer—such as an evergreen sprig or a nonbreakable ornament—and attach a label to the tin.
Place a scoop or two of popcorn into the bottom of your shipping box. Set the tin in the box and cover with a layer of popcorn. If you plan to send several tins, set up your packing materials in assembly-line fashion. Make sure the tin and your packing material fit securely in the box. The less opportunities you allow for shifting, the better chances you'll have to ensuring your baked goods won't get damaged during shipping. Seal the package shut with tape. Reinforce corners of the box with tape. Attach a big label to the box. Complete the label with the required information and send off your package.
