If you've ever had a pie crust recipe fail, you know that the phrase "easy as pie" can be a bit of a misnomer. Flaky, tender pie crust can be harder to achieve than your grandmother made it seem, but with a touch of science and some careful temperature control, you can get your … [Read more...]
Desserts
Smoked Apple Crisp with Bacon
Nothing says fall desserts like an apple crisp. The changing season, the falling leaves, the sweaters, the chill in the morning air, they all point to harvest and to apples and to warm meals with friends. What's more, Steven Raichlen's amazing smoked apple crisp recipe gives you … [Read more...]
Decadent Liège Waffles
Liège Belgian waffles have a rich, chewy texture and a sugary crunch that can only be achieved when prepared with an authentic recipe and careful temperature control. They take a bit of planning ahead but will bring a touch of decadence to weekend brunch or breakfast. Note: As … [Read more...]
Brioche Cinnamon Rolls: Rich Dough Temps
Cinnamon rolls are a special treat just right for Christmas morning. But with their sugary filling, cinnamon rolls can be difficult to bake just right. They're often pulled before they're baked through completely, resulting in rolls with a doughy center. They may still be raw in … [Read more...]
Foolproof Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is not only elegant but nearly as simple as a dessert can be. And the secret to getting it right is to gently cook it to the right temperature, and not a degree higher. Sous vide cooking makes this delicate custard foolproof, and we have all the thermal tips you … [Read more...]
How to Bake the Perfect Cheesecake
In the season of holiday parties, it's nice to have a crowd-pleasing, simple, versatile dessert recipe at the ready. Cheesecake is ideal because it freezes well and pairs beautifully with many different sauces. And what's even better, you can bake your cheesecakes perfectly every … [Read more...]
Secrets to Silky Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite that will be on everyone's table this Thanksgiving. Nothing beats homemade pumpkin pie with tender, flaky crust made from scratch. But sometimes the crust is soggy, or the pie filling gets overbaked and cracked because you can't tell when it's … [Read more...]
The Thermodynamics of Ice Cream Made With Dry Ice
When we think about heat transfer with food, cooking is typically what comes to mind. But food can absorb heat or release it. The thermodynamic process of releasing energy from food is what takes place when making ice cream. We have a super cool method for freezing ice cream that … [Read more...]
Thermal Secrets for Crème Brûlée
French for "burnt cream", crème brûlée is an elegant and ideal Valentine's Day dessert. The trick to achieving a custard that's smooth-as-silk is proper temperature control—and is much easier than you might think! With simple ingredients and simple steps, your crème brûlée can be … [Read more...]
Thermal Tips for Key Lime Pie, a Classic!
Key lime pie is easy to make with very few ingredients, and we have the temperature tips you need to be sure the flavors are on point, the crust is crisp, and the filling will hold a clean slice rather than flooding out when serving. Keep an instant-read digital thermometer like … [Read more...]