TIP OF THE DAY: Better Pie Crusts

Sugar cream pie has a filling of sugar, cream vanilla and nutmeg. Photo courtesy Midway Publishing.   Making good pie crust requires simple ingredients, but lots of practice. Paula Haney, co-founder with husband Craig of Hoosier Mama Pie Shop in Chicago, discovered that when she was already an acclaimed pastry chef. During a 10-year career…
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RECIPE: Pumpkin Cheesecake, Gingersnap Crust

In the name of full disclosure: We love all cheesecake. We especially love chocolate cheesecake, Oreo cheesecake and pumpkin cheesecake. So how happy are we today: It’s National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day. Here’s what we’re baking: RECIPE: PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH GINGERSNAP CRUST Ingredients For 10-Inch Cheesecake 1-1/2 cups finely ground gingersnap cookies 1/4 cup finely ground…
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FOOD FUN: Football & Baseball Cupcakes

Sure, cupcakes are the rage; but what happens when you buy a dozen or two for entertaining? You pay a lot of money! The first time you bake a batch instead of buying them, you’ll save enough money to pay for two cupcake/muffin tins to make 24 cupcakes. This nonstick cupcake/muffin pan from Wilton has…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies With Spelt

Healthier chocolate chip cookies. Photo courtesy Shiloh Farms.   Try a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie for harvest season, and make it a healthier one. This recipe uses whole grain spelt flour instead of refined white flour; and if you want a lactose-free cookie, you can substitute coconut oil for the butter. You can also use…
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FOOD FUN: Coconut Cake & A Palm Tree Cookie

Bathing suit optional. Photo courtesy Fishtail | NYC.   This inspiration comes from one of our favorite seafood restaurants, David Burke’s Fishtail in New York City. If you’re missing the warmth of summer, evoke the tropics with this creative dessert: an individual coconut cake garnished with “drunken” mango salsa (add rum to a sweet mango…
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