VALENTINE’S DAY: Chocolate ‘Gingerbread’ Man Or Girl

He’s just a hunk, a hunk of chocolate love (photo © Choclatique.   For the Valentine whose heart desires two-and-one-half pounds of solid milk chocolate, the creative chocolatiers at Choclatique suggest Chocolate Man (in photo) or Chocolate Girl (she has long eyelashes and a hair bow). There’s no gingerbread—just 100% chocolate (plus decorations). Each Chocolate…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make A Streusel (Crumble, Crisp) Topping

A crumb or crumble topping—a.k.a. streusel—is a stroke of genius, says chef Johnny Gnall. A few basic ingredients, mashed together by hand and popped into the oven, results in a sweet, rich, crumbly voluptuousness that’s wonderful with any number of sweets. It’s a low fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert topping that can really dress things up. Crumble…
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VALENTINE’S DAY: Make Pie Pops In A Pie Pop Maker

We try not to acquire gadgets and appliances that have only one function. But in the case of this Babycakes bite-size pie maker, we might make an exception. We see it as a family activity, a start to teach kids (and non-cook adults) the fun of baking. Kids can easily make pie pops for friends,…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Valentine Decorations For Gingerbread Men

Make Valentine gingerbread a family tradition. Photo courtesy Sur La Table.   Valentine’s Day isn’t all about chocolate. Today’s tip was inspired by an email we received from Sur La Table, which has a bounty of Valentine-inspired cookware and utensils: red or pink rolling pins, spatulas, measuring cups, heart-shaped cake pans and more. The tip:…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Tips For Baking Cakes

You need “technique” to bake a great cake. Photo courtesy ValerieConfections.com.   Want to make a cake as good as this one? Today’s tips for successful baking come from Pat Sinclair, a food consultant and author of Baking Basics and Beyond: Learn These Simple Techniques and Bake Like a Pro, and co-author of Scandinavian Classic…
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