Desserts

Strawberry Chia Pudding What kind of milk works best in this pudding? For a creamy texture, whole milk or canned coconut milk will provide richness and body. If you’re aiming for a lighter, plant-based option, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are all excellent choices. Just be aware that thinner milks like rice milk may result in a looser set, so you might want to increase the chia seeds slightly. Choose unsweetened milk if you want full control over sweetness, since the fruit and maple syrup already provide natural sugar. The flavor of the milk will subtly influence the … Read more

Classic Paris Brest with Hazelnut Mousseline Cream What is the origin of the Paris Brest? The Paris Brest is a classic French pastry created in 1910 by pastry chef Louis Durand to commemorate the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. Its circular, wheel-like shape is a nod to the bicycle tire, symbolizing the endurance and prestige of the race. Originally, it was designed as a high-energy pastry for cyclists, made with rich choux pastry and calorie-dense praline cream. Over time, it became a staple of French patisserie and is now enjoyed as a luxurious dessert rather than a sports snack. The shape is … Read more

Pistachio Tart with Whipped Ganache and Praline Can I make this pistachio tart in advance? The shortcrust pastry dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to a month. The tart shell itself can be blind baked and stored in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days at room temperature before filling. The baked pistachio cream layer should be cooled and chilled fully before topping with ganache. The pistachio ganache can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until whipped and piped. Once the pistachio … Read more

Almond Galette with Summer Fruit Can I make the almond galette dough in advance and freeze it? The galette can be frozen for up to 2 months. Once the dough has been mixed and shaped into discs, wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to use it, transfer the dough to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Before rolling it out, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it becomes pliable. Freezing the dough in advance is a great way to streamline … Read more

Almond Sticky Buns with Salted Toffee Glaze Can I prepare almond sticky buns in advance? Yes! The most efficient method is to prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. This long, cold fermentation improves both flavor and texture. You can also shape the buns, place them in the baking dish over the toffee glaze, and refrigerate them overnight for a second rise in the fridge. The next morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise further, if needed, for about 30 to 45 minutes before baking. What is the best way to store … Read more

Mascarpone Alfajores Cake What is the best way to line the dome mold? The most effective method to line a dome mold for an alfajores cake is to use a single large sheet of plastic wrap that covers the entire interior and extends beyond the rim. Press the plastic firmly into the mold’s curves, smoothing out any folds or creases so they don’t imprint onto the cake surface. If the mold is very deep or wide, you may need to overlap two sheets of plastic. This lining not only prevents sticking but also allows for clean removal once the alfajores … Read more

Gluten Free Lemon Blueberry Cake with Blueberry Glaze What type of yogurt works best for this recipe? The best yogurt for a gluten free lemon blueberry cake is full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt because it offers a rich texture and tang that complements both the almond flour and lemon. Greek yogurt adds moisture without making the batter too loose, which is important when baking with gluten-free flours like almond and tapioca. Non-dairy yogurt can be used as a substitute, but it should be unsweetened and thick, such as coconut or cashew yogurt. Avoid using non-Greek yogurt that is too watery, … Read more

Chocolate Ganache Brownies Can I make the brownies without a convection oven? If your oven does not have a convection setting, simply use the conventional baking mode and increase the baking temperature slightly to 340°F (170°C). The baking time may also need to be adjusted—expect the brownies to take a few minutes longer, around 15 to 18 minutes, depending on your oven. Monitor the brownies closely and look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center. Even without convection, chocolate ganache brownies will bake successfully as long as you watch the texture and avoid overbaking the center. How do I … Read more