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10 Classic American Desserts on The Daily Meal

Friday, February 1, 2013 at 09:02 AM - Posted by Megan - (0) comments

They say “as American as apple pie” for a reason. Our sweets-loving nation has become renowned for many iconic, notable desserts—from regional specialties to tried-and-true classics. Many of which are at the heart of our country’s food culture. After all, what would birthdays be without cake? Holidays without pie? Summers without ice cream?

the daily meal - 10 classic american desserts
To help celebrate our love affair with classic indulgences, The Daily Meal asked me to round up a collection of timeless and oh-so beloved American desserts. Did your favorite nostalgic treat make the list? Get sweet on the full article (complete with a mouthwatering picture slideshow and recipe links) here.

Image courtesy of The Daily Meal

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Chocolate Smothered Oreos

Friday, December 14, 2012 at 07:12 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) comments

‘Tis the season for sweets! Since some of you have asked about the chocolate covered Oreos I make for the holidays, I’m sharing my original post from 2010 (below). Enjoy & hope your holidays are the sweetest! xo

For a delicious twist on a cream-filled classic, milk’s favorite cookie gets spiffed up and smothered in chocolate. Cocoa-covered cookies are surprisingly simple to make and are as easy on the eyes as they are the palate. Get creative with a mixture of toppings—like festive sprinkles, peppermint snow and chopped nuts—or unleash your inner Jackson Pollock by splattering each indulgent Oreo with drips of multi-colored chocolate. These impressive-looking confections are melt-in-your-mouth decadent and make a great homemade gift idea.

Chocolate Smothered Oreos

  • Double Stuf Oreo cookies
  • Melting chocolate disks (dark, milk, white)—I prefer Callebaut chocolate*
  • Various toppings, such as peppermint snow, sprinkles and chopped nuts
  • *one 1-1/2 lb bag of melting chocolate is enough to cover one bag of Oreo cookies

    CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

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    The Sweeter Side of a Savory City

    Monday, June 4, 2012 at 02:06 PM - Posted by Megan - (1) comment

    New Orleans is world-famous for its savory cuisine — a unique combination of Creole, Cajun and French flavors that produce the city’s indigenous culinary landscape.

    Yet over the past several years, the Big Easy has been gaining recognition for the sweeter side of things. More and more New Orleans restaurants are employing acclaimed pastry chefs, who are elevating the level and quality of desserts across town. There’s been an emergence of local sweet shops and pastry boutiques that offer far more than pralines and pecan pie. And just last week, The Big Gateaux Show brought world-renowned pastry chefs together for a theatrical cake competition and tasting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience.

    One of the pioneers of the city’s pastry movement is Tariq Hanna, the celebrated chef-owner of Sucré. Upon visiting New Orleans several years ago, Tariq noticed that the local dessert scene was somewhat uninspired. “It was the same four desserts everywhere.” Tariq mentioned, “Bananas Foster, beignets, pralines and bread pudding.” Determined to bring something new to NoLa’s dining culture, Tariq opened Sucré in 2007 — a bright, inviting sweets haven in the Garden District that specializes in exciting, handcrafted desserts and confections that weren’t typically found in area restaurants at the time.

    While in New Orleans last week, I had the pleasure of joining Tariq at the oh-so-charming Sucré to delight in some of his signature delicacies. Feast your eyes on the striking array of French macarons, fine chocolates, handmade marshmallows, decadent desserts, cupcakes, gelato & more featured in the gallery below.

    1. The Sucré storefront on Magazine Street in NoLa\'s picturesque Garden District
    2. Strawberry season is in full swing at Sucré with petite cakes, specialty chocolates & more
    3. Buttery dark chocolate, caramel & fleur de sel cookies. Absolutely to die for!
    4. Sucré owner & celebrated pastry chef Tariq Hanna serves up his signature sweets
    5. Chocolate lovers can get their cocoa fix with an assortment of eclairs, cakes & tarts
    6. Handmade fluffy Tahitian marshmallows are a melt-in-your-mouth seasonal treat
    7. Colorful collection of delicate French macarons filled with luscious mousseline
    8. Sucré\'s bright & inviting interior — such a darling boutique!
    9. Guests can dig into delightful desserts, like this colossal chocolate fudge brownie sundae
    10. Fudgy s\'mores skillet with melted marshmallow and creamy toasted almond gelato. Yes, please!
    11. Handmade chocolate bars adorned with toasted almonds, coconut flakes, candied violets & more
     
    After a generous sampling from Sucré and several other indulgent creations from Zak Miller (Coquette), Kelly Fields (August) and Phillip Lopez (Root), N’awlins officially put me in a sugar-filled state of bliss. Clearly, a new desserts standard has been set in this city and it was thrilling to witness so many restaurants stepping up their game. Afterall, there’s no better way to cap off all that savory cuisine than with a sweet finish. Or a few.

    For more sweet inspiration, check out this clip to see what Tariq Hanna has to say about Sucré and find out which New Orleans treats chefs John Besh, Johnny Iuzzini, Ron Ben-Israel & more can’t get enough of. 
     


     
    Filmed during the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience at the The Big Gateaux Show event and throughout the weekend festivities. Learn more about New Orleans pastry culture in this great article on Nola.com.
     
    Stay sweet New Orleans!

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    Salon at Per Se Debuts Five-Course Dessert Menu

    Monday, April 23, 2012 at 08:04 AM - Posted by Megan - (1) comment

    Sweets lovers rejoice! It’s time to skip dinner and head straight to dessert. One of NYC’s most sensational restaurants, Thomas Keller’s Salon at Per Se, just introduced a five-course dessert-only tasting menu.

     
    Some may say that the $65 pre-fixe price tag (service included) is a bit much to spend on sweets, but the succession of inventive, expertly crafted confections from one of the country’s greatest culinary teams is far from your typical desserts tasting.

    The menu lineup from celebrated pastry chef Elwyn Boyles will change daily, and includes inspired dishes such as popcorn-cola with sundried raisins and buttered popcorn sherbet, poached meringue with coconut, Champagne mango and toasted coriander ice cream, and chef Keller’s signature cinnamon-sugared brioche doughnuts with silky cappuccino semifreddo. If you’re not pining for an entire sugar-filled series, the Salon also offers five à la carte desserts each night. How sweet it is.

    Check out Eater for additional coverage and a sample menu.

    Image courtesy of ZagatBuzz

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    Get Sweet on NYC Chocolate Week 2012

    Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:02 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) comments

    With Valentine’s Day only a few days away, the Big Apple is celebrating this romantic time of year by showing its sweet side. Created in 2011, NYC Chocolate Week is the first event in New York City entirely dedicated to the art of preparing chocolate. During this seven-day culinary showcase, twelve participating NYC restaurants and their chefs will highlight chocolate’s irresistible qualities through food and wine pairings and specialty desserts.
     
     
    From February 13-19, chocolate lovers have the opportunity to indulge their sweet tooth at romantic spots including Ayza West Village, Bistro VendômeOpia, DB Bistro Moderne and Jean-Louis. Details vary by location, but many offer guests complimentary chocolatey confections—from decadent dessert samplings to chocolate fountains—with the purchase of a two-course meal.

    Need a little more temptation? By attending a NYC Chocolate Week event, you’ll also be supporting official charity partner Action Against Hunger in the fight against malnutrition worldwide. Giving back never sounded so sweet.

    For more info and a full list of participating restaurants, visit ChocolateWeekNYC.com.

    Image courtesy of AyzaNYC.com.

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    Get Crackin’ with Momofuku Milk Bar’s Cookbook

    Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 01:11 PM - Posted by Megan - (2) comments

    One of the year’s most anticipated cookbooks has finally arrived—and just in time for holiday baking. Pastry Chef Christina Tosi unveiled a collection of her recipes from beloved NYC bakery, Momofuku Milk Bar, which she opened with David Chang in early 2009. An offshoot of Chang’s acclaimed Momofuku restaurant, this quirky pastry shop serves up whimsical confections and dairy-based desserts at four locations (3 in Manhattan, 1 in Brooklyn) around the Big Apple.

    Now, for the first time ever, the recipes behind Tosi’s treasured treats are available to bakers everywhere. Just imagine being able to recreate wildly popular signature desserts, like Compost Cookies, Crack Pie, Cereal Milk Ice Cream, Apple Pie Cake Truffles, Cinnamon Bun Pie and more, in your very own kitchen. How sweet it is!

    Momofuku Milk Bar is a gorgeous cookbook filled with 256 pages of funny and approachable narrative by Tosi, mouthwatering imagery, behind-the-scenes moments and dozens of sweet recipes for novice home cooks and skilled pastry mavens alike. There’s even a selection of savory eats, including Kimchi & Blue Cheese Croissants and Chinese Sausage Focaccia. With sinfully delicious recipes for nearly any occasion, Momofuku Milk Bar will make a sweet addition to your cookbook collection—and is a great gift idea for food lovers, too. Tip: Be sure you have an accurate kitchen scale, as many of the ingredients are measured in grams. 

    Got Crack? Crack Pie is my all-time favorite Milk Bar delicacy 

    Crack Pie. Anyone who has bitten into this addicting Momofuku best-seller understands its cheeky name. Once you start eating the rich, cookie-crusted, salty and sweet pie, you’ll be intensely pining for more. Get your fix with the recipe below:

    Crack Pie (10 to 12 servings)
    Recipe adapted from Christina Tosi, Momofuku Milk Bar
     
    Ingredients

    Oat Cookie Crust

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
  • 5 1/2 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon (generous) salt
  •  
    Filling

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly
  • 6 1/2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  •  
    Preparation

    Oat Cookie Crust
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper; coat with nonstick spray. Combine 6 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until light and fluffy, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl, about 2 minutes. Add egg; beat until pale and fluffy. Add oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and beat until well blended, about 1 minute. Turn oat mixture out onto prepared baking pan; press out evenly to edges of pan. Bake until light golden on top, 17 to 18 minutes. Transfer baking pan to rack and cool cookie completely.

    Using hands, crumble oat cookie into large bowl; add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar. Rub in with fingertips until mixture is moist enough to stick together. Transfer cookie crust mixture to 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish. Using fingers, press mixture evenly onto bottom and up sides of pie dish. Place pie dish with crust on rimmed baking sheet.

    Filling
    Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Whisk both sugars, milk powder, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Add melted butter and whisk until blended. Add cream, then egg yolks and vanilla and whisk until well blended. Pour filling into crust. Bake pie 30 minutes (filling may begin to bubble). Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Continue to bake pie until filling is brown in spots and set around edges but center still moves slightly when pie dish is gently shaken, about 20 minutes longer. Cool pie 2 hours in pie dish on rack. Chill uncovered overnight. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; keep chilled.

    Sift powdered sugar lightly over top of pie. Cut pie into wedges and serve cold.

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    Get Sweet On MarieBelle’s New Frangelico Ganache

    Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:11 AM - Posted by Megan - (0) comments

    Rich dark chocolate ganache gets kissed by hazelnut liqueur. The result? Decadence at it’s finest.

    Celebrated chocolatier MarieBelle has paired up with Frangelico to unveil an indulgent new truffle flavor just in time for the holidays—the Frangelico Ganache. Blending creamy dark chocolate with luscious hazelnut, this melt-in-your-mouth confection also reveals notes of vanilla, coffee and almond. And it’s quite stunning. MarieBelle founder, chef and chocolate artist, Maribel Lieberman, incorporated hues from the Frangelico bottle into the beautiful sunset-colored mosaic design on each truffle.

    1. MarieBelle\'s new truffle blends Frangelico\'s hazelnut flavor with rich chocolate ganache
    2. MarieBelle New York - SoHo\'s darling chocolate boutique on Broome Street
    3. Dark chocolate ganache gets kissed with Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
    4. MarieBelle founder and chocolate chef, Maribel Lieberman, shares her cocoa passion
    5. Beautiful box of Frangelico Ganache truffles, available on November 15th
    6. The Frangelico Truffle cocktail perfectly complemented the confection\'s flavor nuances
    7. Master Mixologist James Moreland demonstrated three cocktails to pair with the truffles
    8. The Frangelico Supreme cocktail with Frangelico, Flor de Caña rum & sweet vermouth

    Last week, I attended an intimate media gathering at MarieBelle, to celebrate the new flavor. The boutique itself is gorgeous. A luxurious chocolate haven, evoking European sophistication and old-world charm, nestled into SoHo’s Broome Street. Attendees settled into the shop’s darling Cacao Bar—a cozy cafe offering sweet nibbles and hot cocoas—to experience the Frangelico Ganache.

    Maribel warmly greeted guests and excitedly debuted her latest creation. “These artisanal holiday truffles embody the flavors of the season, blending the hazelnut flavor of Frangelico with the gourmet taste of high-quality dark chocolate.” And to perfectly complement the flavor nuances in the confection, Master Mixologist James Moreland was on hand to stir up three Frangelico-based dessert cocktails (recipes below).

    Beginning November 15th, Frangelico Ganache truffles will be available at the MarieBelle retail location in New York City, online at MarieBelle.com and at select department stores nationwide. They come packaged in a variety of sizes, each wrapped in an exquisite ribboned box that is uniquely Mariebelle.

    Life is always sweeter with chocolate, and these truffles make a delightful gift that any chocolate lover will enjoy. And to sip while you sweet, try these tasty dessert cocktails from James Moreland:

     

    Frangelico Truffle Cocktail

    1 oz Frangelico

    1 oz SKYY Vodka

    ¾ oz cold espresso

    Shake with ice and serve up in a cocktail or martini glass. Dust with dark chocolate shavings.

     

    Frangelico Supreme

    1 ¼ oz Frangelico

    1 ¼ oz Flor de Caña 7 Year Grand Reserve Rum

    1 ¼ oz sweet vermouth

    Shake with ice and pour over ice into rocks glass.

     

    Cherries Flambé

    1 ¼ oz Frangelico

    2 spoonfuls sour cherry macerate

    ¾ oz cherry brandy

    Shake hard and strain over rocks in a Collins glass.


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