French Toast Sticks

This week we are channeling our inner child with French toast sticks! The extra surface area achieved when preparing French toast sticks brings twice the flavor while enrobing wonderfully custardy insides. Their handy shape means they are destined for easy dipping, serving, and sharing with the whole family. Good Morning!

Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Sticks
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 large loaf bread (such as a brioche or Italian loaf that’s 3-4 days old)
3 eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons salted butter, divided

For Serving:
Pure Maple syrup
Seasonal berries

Directions:
1. Trim the crust off of the bread and slice it into equally-sized strips, roughly 1" thick.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, vanilla, salt, and allspice. Pour the mixture in a shallow bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Spread the mixture out on a medium-sized plate.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium-large skillet.

4. Separate the bread sticks into two even batches. Starting with the first batch, dredge the bread sticks one at a time in the egg mixture by rolling them for a few seconds to evenly coat the bread all the way around. Shake off any excess egg mixture.

5. Place a few of the sticks of bread into the skillet, spacing them evenly, with about 1" in between (this spacing will make them easy to grab and turn). Cook the French toast sticks over medium-low heat using tongs to turn. Cook evenly until all sides are golden brown (roughly 1-2 minutes on each side).

6. Immediately remove the sticks from the pan and coat with the cinnamon and sugar while the French toast sticks are still hot, repeating until all of the sticks from the first batch are coated.

7. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and repeat Steps 4-6 with the remaining sticks.

8. Once all the French toast sticks have been cooked and coated, serve immediately with warm maple syrup and fresh seasonal berries.

Banana Cream Pie

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!

Salted Caramels

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.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Crispy Sage

Fall flavors unite in a most delightful way in this creamy, dreamy pasta!

IN THIS ISSUE, butternut squash is transformed into a tasty sauce. The naturally sweet sauce is balanced with spicy sausage, then generously topped with savory cheese and crispy sage leaves. It’s a wonderful kind of deliciousness!

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Crispy Sage 
Serves 8 - 10 

Fall flavors unite in a most delightful way in this creamy, dreamy pasta! Butternut squash is transformed into a tasty sauce. The naturally sweet sauce is balanced with spicy sausage, then generously topped with savory cheese and crispy sage leaves. It’s a wonderful kind of deliciousness! 

Ingredients: 
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, cut in half, seeds removed 
4 tablespoons butter 
20-25 fresh sage leaves 
1 lb hot Italian ground sausage 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1 large shallot, finely diced 
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine 
1 cup heavy whipping cream 
1 teaspoon Kosher salt 
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
2 lbs pasta, ziti or another tube pasta 

Garnish: 
crispy sage leaves parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

Directions: 
1. Prep the butternut squash: Wash the squash well, cut both ends o the squash to create a flat surface. Peel the squash with a peeler. Slice in half length-wise and scoop out the seeds. 

2. Using a large pasta pot with a steamer basket, steam the butternut squash until it is fork tender, about 30-35 minutes. 

3. Remove the squash and purée with a blender or immersion blender until it is smooth. 

4. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven, sauté the sausage into bite-sized chunks until nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the pot. Set aside. Reserve the pot and drippings for the shallots, garlic, and the next steps in sauce making. 

5. Next, in a nonstick skillet, prepare the crispy sage leaves. Melt the butter, then sizzle the sage leaves on each side until just crisp. Place the leaves on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Reserve the sage butter to sauté the shallot and garlic, and for adding to the sauce. 

6. Using the Dutch oven, add any remaining butter from the sage. Sauté the shallot and garlic until translucent. Add additional olive oil to sauté, as needed. 

7. Once the aromatics are softened, add 1/2 cup of white wine and simmer until the wine is reduced by half. 

8. Add the blended squash to the aromatics and stir until combined. Stir in the heavy cream. Gently simmer the sauce until the pasta is ready. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 

9. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente, reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain well. 

10. Add the pasta to the sauce. Add up to 1 cup of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency. 

11. Add the sausage to the pasta. Dish the pasta, and garnish with a hearty portion of freshly shaved or grated parmesan cheese. Top each serving with several crispy sage leaves.

Cream Puffs with Berries

Expanding your repertoire of kitchen skills these days? Add cream puffs to your list of culinary mastery while celebrating the return of fresh berries. The light, delicate, cream puffs with sweet berry filling are perfect for Mother’s Day, too! This recipe starts with a classic French pâte à choux and finishes things off with bright, jammy berries, and homemade whipped cream.

Cream Puffs with Sweet Berry Cream Filling
Makes 24 petite cream puffs

Cream Puff Shell Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
6 eggs

Berry Filling Dressing:
1 package (10 oz) raspberries, fresh or frozen 1/4 cup reserved
1 package (10 oz) package blackberries, fresh or frozen, 1/4 cup reserved
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners sugar, plus more for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. In a 3 quart saucier pan, bring the water, milk, and butter to a boil. Add the salt and sugar and stir until dissolved.

3. Remove the pan from heat and in one motion add the flour. Stir the mixture vigorously until combined. Return to the burner and continue to stir until the mixture stays away from the sides of the pan. Cool the dough until it’s just warm to the touch, or measures about 130°F.

4. Move the forming dough into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, add five of the eggs, one at a time, (reserving the sixth for an egg wash to be applied just prior to baking). Incorporate each egg before adding the next. Continue beating after the last egg for a couple of minutes or until smooth.

5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a 1/2” plain tip. Pipe 2” diameter mounds onto the lined baking sheets, twelve petit puffs on each sheet. (Or use a spoon to place dollops.) Whisk the final egg with a couple teaspoons of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top and sides of the dough mounds.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for another 15 minutes. The pastries should be evenly golden brown.

7. Immediately after removing from the oven, cut the tops off the puffs with a serrated knife to allow steam to escape. This will assist greatly in the puffs retaining their shape. Set aside to cool.

Filling Directions:

8. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, blackberries, and granulated sugar. Stir and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries have broken down and begin to thicken. Turn the heat to low and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

9. In a stand mixer with a chilled bowl, whip the cream, vanilla, and sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream into a pastry bag with a star tip.

10. Stir reserved berries into cooled berry filling.

11. Assemble the cream puffs by spooning 1-2 tablespoons of the berry filling in the cream puff base. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Finish by covering with the pastry top shell. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake

We present an olive oil cake that features the bright and fresh citrus flavor of Meyer lemons. An easy to prepare cake, the olive oil lends its fruity flavor to the final cake. Serve slices of this moist cake with freshly whipped cream and berries for a delicious, subtly sweet dessert.

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Makes one 9-inch cake

Cake Ingredients:
4 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Cointreau, or your favorite orange liqueur
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
powdered sugar for serving

Whipped Cream Ingredients:
1 pint whipped cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Prepare a 9" springform cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. Brush the bottom and sides with olive oil.

3. In a large bowl with a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the eggs with the sugar until they are very pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. Slowly pour in the olive oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and Cointreau while continuing to mix. 5. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and lemon zest.

6. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until everything is well incorpo- rated.

7. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.

8. Let the cake cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes.

9. After the cake cools, run a sharp knife around the outside of the cake and release the springform ring.

10. Place the cake on a serving plate.

11. Prepare the whipped cream. Using a stand mixer, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until very stiff peaks form.

12. Serve slices of cake with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Here comes a nice seasonal treat! It’s a twist on an Italian masterpiece. Pumpkin tiramisu marries rich coffee notes, delicate lady fingers, a hint of liqueur, and earthy pumpkin with warm spices. You’ll find this dish extremely appropriate as a sweet ending to a fall dinner! Makes one 9” springform pan, serves 8-10.

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 (7oz) packages of hard lady fingers
1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee, cooled
1/8 cup coffee liqueur Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg

Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, more to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Using a stand mixer, whip the one cup of heavy whipping cream until very stiff peaks are formed. Mix the pumpkin puree, mascarpone, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, then fold into the whipped cream.
2. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with a nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with ladyfinger cookies. Stand the cookies around the outside of the pan with the flat sides facing in. Cut some of the cookies in half to create a solid layer of cookie on the bottom of the pan.
3. Mix the coffee and coffee liqueur together in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the coffee liqueur mixture on the bottom layer of cookies. Leave the cookies on the sides of the pan unbrushed.
4. Pour 1/3 of the pumpkin filling mixture over the first layer of cookies, and spread until smooth. 5. Make another ladyfinger cookie layer. Dip each cookie in the coffee liqueur mixture until soaked, and then place in a single layer on the cake. Repeat with the another layer of filling and cookies, ending with a smooth layer of filling on top. Garnish the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.
6. Wrap tightly in plastic and chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, whip up the whipped cream for a garnish. Use a stand mixer, and whip the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks have formed. Sweeten to your desired level of sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, to taste. Carefully release the springform pan to unveil the tiramisu. Serve with a big dollop of whipped cream on top

Better Than Grandma’s Rice Pudding

It’s time to dust off some old recipe cards and embrace a classic dish that you may have forgotten all about — rice pudding! We not only love this simple, decadent dish for its nostalgic memories, but also for its rich flavor that can breathe coziness into any autumn day. Serves 6-8.

Rice Pudding Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
Pinch of Kosher salt
1 cup short grain rice (like Arborio or sushi rice)
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Fruit Compote Ingredients:
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons brandy
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
Sliced almonds for garnish

Rice Pudding Directions:
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk, cream, sugar, and salt to a boil.
2. Stir in the rice and cinnamon sticks, and turn the heat to low. Keeping the rice uncovered, simmer and cook the rice for 50-60 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to the consistency of yogurt. Stir the rice occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the rice has thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and almond extract.
4. Top with your preferred toppings - a sprinkle of cinnamon, a scoop of fruit compote (see recipe below), or chopped nuts.

Fruit Compote Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, brandy, and water.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the dried fruit and cook until the fruit is slightly plumped - about 2 more minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and let cool.