Category: Desserts & Muffins

This is the basic apple pie that I’ve been making for decades. My first recipe came from Joy of Cooking, and in later years I’ve added a few tweaks from America’s Test Kitchen. My one ironclad rule—keep everything cold, especially if making during hot weather. Dip your hands in ice water and dry them off. Chill bowls, forks, … Read more

Custards baked in individual ramekins cook faster, are more evenly textured, and un-mold more easily, so you’ll need 8 un-greased 6-ounce ovenproof ramekins. And for my keto friends, here’s a low-carb version.

Classic Crème Caramel
Serves 8

CARAMEL
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Custard

CUSTARD
1-1/2 cups pasture-raised whole milk… Read more

My mother’s been making this cake ever since the 1980s. I’m fairly certain her recipe was based on one of Maida Heatter’s cake recipes in Book of Great Desserts. I changed some of the brands from the ones my mother used (Callebaut chocolate instead of Baker’s, for instance), but other than that, here’s a recipe that’s been pleasing friends and … Read more

After decades of noodling around with chocolate chip cookie recipes, this is my final version. It’s very, very good. When it comes to outstanding c2 cookies with a hint of caramelized flavor, superior ingredients and resting the dough are what makes the difference.

For something similar, low-carbers can make these little guys.

A2’s Incredible C2 Cookies
Makes about 28 huge … Read more

This recipe is based on an Cook’s Illustrated recipe. If you’d like to sleep in before making muffins in the morning, take a page from Thomas Keller—rest the batter in the refrigerator overnight. Add the fresh blueberries in the morning and bake.

I always weigh the larger amounts of dry ingredients, to make sure I can duplicate successful results. These … Read more

You really must make this. It’s luscious and seductive and irresistible. It’s rich and decadent and delicious. It’s lushly salty-sweet. Moan-inducing.

For a low-carb version, try Ruled.me’s Butterscotch Sea Salt Ice Cream.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
2-1/4 cups pasture-raised heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon Fleur de Sel sea salt (on Amazon. It really does make … Read more