Homemade Bagel Bites Recipe

If you can't understand the allure of made-from-scratch Bagel Bites, there's nothing I can say or do to convince you. This is a recipe for the hardcore fans, those of us who've longed for bite-size pizza poppers that taste as good as we remember—chewy, cheesy, salty, and crisp.
WHY IT WORKS
Baking mini bagels on a wire rack prevents their bottoms from browning, keeping them tender and easy to eat.
Lightly toasting the split bagels will prevent them from absorbing the red sauce, which would make them soggy.
Diced pepperoni offers better distribution on the mini pizzas, while also matching the look of real Bagel Bites.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
10-inch skillet, food processor, 3- or 4-quart stainless steel pot, wire rack
NOTES:
Thanks to the keeping qualities of my bagel dough, this recipe is great spread out over the course of a few days. So make the dough and sauce whenever you have a chance, bake off the bagels when it's convenient, then assemble at your leisure.
INGREDIENTS
Homemade Bagel dough
1 ounce barley malt syrup (4 teaspoons; 30g), optional
Quick and Easy Italian-American Red Sauce
Salt, pepper, and fennel seed to taste
12 ounces finely shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups; 340g)
6 ounces pepperoni, such as Vermont Smoke & Cure (1 link; 170g)
DIRECTIONS
1.
For the Mini Bagels: Prepare dough as directed, then divide into 16 equal portions, about 1 1/2 ounces or 43g each. Cup a portion of dough beneath your palm and work in quick, circular motions to form a tight skin around the ball, with only a tiny seam along the bottom. If the seam is large or irregular, continue rounding until the bottom is nearly smooth. Cover with plastic and let rest 15 minutes. Poke a hole into the center of each portion with a damp fingertip, then gently stretch into a 1 1/2–inch ring, wetting your hands in cold water as needed to prevent sticking. Arrange on a well-greased, parchment-lined half sheet pan, cover with plastic, and refrigerate 24 to 36 hours, depending on your schedule.

2.
To Boil and Bake: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 425°F (218°C). Nest a wire baking rack in a half sheet pan, then cover with parchment. Fill a stainless steel pot with about 3 inches of water, stir in malt (if using), and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet or cutting board with a thick layer of paper towels. Working with three or four at a time, boil the bagels, about 15 seconds per side. Place on paper towels, then immediately transfer to the prepared half sheet pan. (If left on the paper towels too long, the bagels will stick; if this happens, quickly dip the bagel back into the hot water, and the wet paper towel will peel right off.) Bake until blistered and golden brown all over, about 18 minutes. Cool at least 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step, or store mini bagels up to 36 hours in a paper bag.

3.
To Finish: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 450°F (232°C). Split mini bagels horizontally with a serrated knife, arrange half on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and toast only until their surface is a little dry, about 5 minutes. Top each with a few tablespoons of red sauce, followed by a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and fennel seed, followed by a generous mound of cheese and a small handful of diced pepperoni. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 16 minutes, and serve immediately. Repeat with remaining bagel halves for round two.

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Baked Brie en Croûte With Apple and Pear Compote Recipe

Offering maximum impact with minimal effort, a baked Brie turns a mild-mannered cheese into the superhero of a gathering: a warm, gooey communal comfort food. This version wraps the cheese in a shell of flaky puff pastry, along with two sweet-tart layers of apple-pear compote.

WHY IT WORKS
Pairing the creamy cheese with a combination of tart and sweet gives it the ideal flavor balance.
Adding a puff pastry crust is an easy way to create an impressive party appetizer.
Triple-cream cheese gives you the best gooey melt.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, pastry brush, kitchen twine (optional)
NOTES:
If possible, use a triple-cream Brie, which has a higher fat content that melts better.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 pear, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 cup (60g) sugar
1 small cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 (6- to 8-ounce; 170 to 225g) round Brie or Camembert cheese, slightly chilled (see note)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
10-inch square puff pastry dough, kept cold, rolled out to 1/4-inch thickness
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter, and swirl until melted. Add apple and pear and cook, stirring occasionally, until fruit is tender and has released most of its liquid, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in sugar, cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 12 to 15 minutes longer. Discard cinnamon stick, if used. Remove from heat and let compote cool to room temperature.

2.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3.
Using a sharp knife, cut cheese in half horizontally (through the middle). Lay one half on a work surface, cut side up, and spread 3 tablespoons (45ml) of compote evenly over it. Place second half on top and spread another 3 tablespoons (45ml) compote over it.

4.
Place puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface and roll to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Set prepared cheese in center of square, fold dough up and over, and pleat it together on top to enclose cheese. Gently pinch dough together in center to seal gathered pleats. You can tie a bit of kitchen twine on top to hold pleats together if you like, but this is not essential. If dough is no longer cold, chill wrapped cheese for at least 20 minutes. (Cheese can be wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated until ready to bake.)

5.
Set prepared cheese wheel on prepared baking sheet. Brush dough evenly with egg wash. Bake until pastry is crisp and golden brown all over, 25 to 35 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter. Serve any remaining compote alongside.

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Chicken Piccata (Fried Chicken Cutlets With Lemon-Butter Pan Sauce) Recipe

Chicken piccata takes a beloved food—pan-fried chicken cutlets—and tops it with a simple but luxurious lemon-butter pan sauce. The result is a flavor and texture festival that blends crispness, juiciness, richness, and tartness all into one.

WHY IT WORKS

Fried chicken cutlets topped with a rich butter sauce.
Japanese panko bread crumbs form a coating that becomes shatteringly crisp but still light and tender, not dense and tough.
The pan sauce whips up quickly after frying, so the cutlets don't have to wait long.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Large skillet
INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour (5 ounces; 140g)
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs (4 ounces; 115g), roughly crushed by hand if very large
2 ounces (60g) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
8 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (3 or 4 ounces each), pounded to about 1/4 inch thick
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup dry white wine (120ml)
1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers (15g)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (70g)
2 tablespoons fresh juice from 1 lemon (30ml)
1 1/2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
DIRECTIONS
1.
Set three wide, shallow bowls on a work surface. Add flour to the first one, beaten eggs to the second, and panko and Parmesan cheese to the third. Mix panko and Parmesan thoroughly.

2.
Line a rimmed baking dish with parchment paper. Season chicken cutlets all over with salt and pepper. Working with one at a time, dredge a cutlet in flour with your left hand, shaking off excess. Transfer to egg dish, then turn cutlet with your right hand to coat both sides. Lift and allow excess egg to drain off, then transfer to bread crumb mixture. With your left hand, scoop bread crumbs on top of chicken, then gently press, turning chicken to ensure a good layer of crumbs on both sides. Transfer cutlet to prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining cutlets.

3.
Fill a large skillet with 1/4 inch oil. Heat over high heat until shimmering and just shy of smoking, about 375°F on an instant-read thermometer.

4.
Working in batches and using tongs or your fingers, gently lower cutlets into the pan, laying them down away from you to prevent hot fat from splashing toward you. Fry, gently swirling pan and rotating cutlets for even browning, and adjusting heat as necessary for a steady, vigorous bubble, until bottom side is browned and crisp, about three minutes. Flip cutlets and fry until other side is browned and crisp, about three minutes longer. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt right away. Repeat with remaining cutlets, topping up oil if necessary.

5.
Drain all but one tablespoon oil from skillet. Add wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cooking until raw alcohol smell has mostly cooked off, about two minutes. Add capers and butter, whisking constantly, until butter has melted. Lower heat to medium and continue whisking and reducing until a creamy, emulsified sauce forms (the time this takes will depend on your burner power and the size of your pan). If sauce over-reduces and breaks at any point, add one tablespoon cold water and whisk to emulsify it again. Whisk in lemon juice and parsley, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.

6.
Arrange cutlets on a platter and drizzle warm butter sauce all over. Serve right away.

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Late-Summer Mixed-Fruit Pie Recipe

When mixing things up with a variety of fruits in a pie, you have no better partner in the kitchen than a scale—particularly if you want to experiment beyond the suggestions below. If measuring with cups, stick to the listed ingredients, and take care not to pile the fruit too high. Whether you choose my blend or your own, the filling bakes up sweet-tart and a little jammy under a golden, flaky crust.

WHY IT WORKS
A blend of fruits unites sweet, sour, tender, and creamy elements in a single pie.
Tapioca starch forms a light, clear gel that's never cloudy, slimy, or gloppy.
A 4:1 ratio of fruit to sugar raises tapioca's gelatinization point so the filling and crust will cook at the same rate, meaning you never have to trade a thick filling for a soggy crust!
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
9-inch pie plate (preferably tempered-glass), pastry brush (if using egg wash), rimmed baking sheet, digital thermometer
NOTES:
This recipe works best with fruits similar to those listed below, rather than wildcards such as apples, figs, or melons.

Due to disparate sourcing practices, tapioca starch manufactured in Asia may be derived from plants other than cassava, which have different gelling properties. Look for products that mention cassava by name on the packaging, such as Bob's Red Mill.
INGREDIENTS
3 medium plums, apricots, or nectarines (about 12 ounces; 340g)
9 ounces pitted cherries (1 2/3 heaping cups; 255g), from about 12 ounces whole fruit (2 1/4 heaping cups; 340g)
6 ounces fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries (1 cup; 170g)
4 ounces Cape gooseberries, currants, or fresh cranberries (1/2 cup; 110g)
7 ounces sugar (1 cup; 195g)
1/2 teaspoon (2g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or use the same weight
1 1/2 ounces tapioca starch (1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon; 40g), such as Bob's Red Mill (see note above)
Old-Fashioned Flaky Pie Dough, rolled and chilled as per the directions for a double crust
For the Egg Wash (optional):
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 ounce heavy cream (1 tablespoon; 15g)
1/8 teaspoon (1/2g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or use the same weight
DIRECTIONS
1.
For the Filling: Wash plums (no need to peel), cut into 1/2-inch slices, and measure out 9 ounces (1 1/2 cups; 255g) in a large bowl. Add pitted cherries, blueberries, and Cape gooseberries, or whatever mix of fruit you prefer, to bring the total weight to 28 ounces (790g; volume will vary). Toss with sugar, salt, and tapioca starch, folding with a flexible spatula until well combined. Scrape into prepared pie shell and top with remaining dough, as a solid sheet, a lattice, a herringbone, or checkerboard. Trim away excess dough and refrigerate to ensure top crust is completely chilled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 400°F.

2.
For the Egg Wash (if using): Whisk egg, egg yolk, cream, and salt in a small bowl. Brush over chilled top crust in a thin, even layer. This will give the crust a glossy, golden sheen, but is not necessary in any way.

3.
Place chilled pie on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake until crust is golden, about 1 hour, then loosely cover with tented foil. (Alternatively, an empty baking sheet can be placed on topmost rack of oven to serve as a shield.) Continue baking until filling is bubbling even in the very center of the pie, about 15 minutes more. If crust completely covers filling, bake until pie reaches an internal temperature of 212°F on a digital thermometer.

4.
To Serve: Cool pie until center of filling is no warmer than 85°F on a digital thermometer, about 3 hours depending on the type of pie plate. (Above that temperature, filling will be runny and thin.) Slice into wedges with a sharp knife, pressing firmly against bottom and sides of pie plate to ensure under-crust is completely cut. Wrapped in foil, leftovers will keep up to 3 days at room temperature; warm 10 minutes in a 350°F oven to revive crust before serving.

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Marbled Dipping Ganache Recipe

The consistency of ganache doesn't just hinge on the ratio of chocolate to cream, but the type of chocolate, too. White and milk chocolates, already rich in both cocoa butter and dairy fat, don't need much cream to reach a smooth and creamy consistency, while lean dark chocolate requires a little more. For a recipe this simple, be sure to choose chocolates you love!

WHY IT WORKS
Bringing the cream to a simmer, rather than a boil, keeps the chocolate smooth and creamy.
Letting the chocolate and cream stand together prevents the chocolate from melting too fast.
Cooling the ganaches improves their consistencies.
NOTES:
To save on cleanup, you can combine the cream for both ganaches in a single pot, then pour the correct amount over each chocolate on a scale. An equal amount of milk chocolate can be used in place of white.
INGREDIENTS
For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
3 ounces heavy cream (1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon; 85g)
2 ounces dark chocolate, about 72%, roughly chopped (1/3 cup; 55g)
For the White Chocolate Ganache:
2 ounces heavy cream (1/4 cup; 55g)
3 ounces white chocolate, about 35%, roughly chopped (1/2 cup; 85g)
Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS
1.
For the Dark Chocolate Ganache: In a 1-quart stainless steel saucier, bring the cream to a gentle simmer. When it's bubbling hard around the edges, pour over dark chocolate in a medium bowl. Let stand 30 seconds, then whisk gently to combine. Stand at room temperature until 85°F, about 8 minutes.

2.
For the White Chocolate Ganache: In a 1-quart stainless steel saucier, bring the cream to a gentle simmer. When it's bubbling hard around the edges, pour over white chocolate in a medium bowl. Let stand 30 seconds, then add a pinch of salt and whisk gently to combine. Stand at room temperature until 85°F, about 8 minutes.

3.
To Combine: Pour half the dark ganache into a small serving bowl, followed by half the white ganache. Then pour in half the remaining dark ganache, followed by half the remaining white ganache, then repeat. Swirl together with a toothpick and serve with fresh fruit, pretzels, shortbread cookies, or whatever you're inclined to dunk in chocolate.

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Jack Rose Recipe

A potent mix of applejack, grenadine, and lemon juice flavored with a dash of Peychaud's bitters.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Cocktail shaker, strainer

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces Laird's Applejack
3/4 ounce grenadine, preferably homemade
3/4 ounces fresh squeezed juice from 1 lemon
1 dash Peychaud's bitters
Lemon twist
DIRECTIONS
1.
Combine applejack, grenadine, lemon juice, and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Squeeze lemon twist over surface of drink, skin-side-out to release fragrant oils. Rub rim of glass with skin side of lemon twist and discard twist. Serve immediately.

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The Ultimate BLT Sandwich Recipe

A BLT is not a well-dressed bacon sandwich. A BLT is a tomato sandwich, seasoned with bacon. From this basic premise, all else follows. Indeed, a better name for the BLT might well be the Tomato Club, for it is the perfect tomato, not the bacon, that is the rarest, the most ephemeral, the most singularly delicious ingredient. A BLT is not a democracy. It is not a committee meeting. It is a dictatorship, and the tomato is King, Queen, and Supreme Leader. In the BLT universe, the Prime Directive is that all other ingredients shall be at Her Majesty's service, their only role to prop her up and enhance her best qualities.

Here's how I make mine.

WHY IT WORKS

Slow-cooking the bacon renders its fat, while helping it to cook evenly and crisply.

Toasting the bread in bacon fat adds an extra layer of flavor.

Seasoning the tomatoes directly with salt and pepper enhances their flavor.

Shredded iceberg lettuce provides structure, sweetness, and crunch.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

Griddle or large skillet, bacon press or masonry trowel

NOTES:

This recipe can easily be scaled up. To cook bacon for a larger crowd, preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay bacon strips on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, top with a second sheet of parchment paper, and place a second tray on top to keep the bacon flat while baking. Transfer the sandwiched bacon slices to the oven, and bake until well-rendered and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Reserve the bacon drippings, and brush onto slices of bread before toasting in the toaster or on a griddle.

I strongly recommend using an immersion-cured bacon, such as Nueske's or Wright bacon, for this sandwich. Many typical supermarket brands inject brine into the bacon for faster curing, which waterlogs it and causes it to spatter more and cook unevenly. To avoid this type of bacon, look for ascorbate or sodium erythorbate on the ingredients label—antioxidants required by law to stem the formation of nitrosamines in injected bacon.

Homemade mayonnaise is easy to make using our technique, but mayonnaise preference is personal, so use whatever your favorite mayonnaise is. I know better than to get between someone and their Duke's. Finely shredded iceberg lettuce is my lettuce of choice, unless you can find super-fresh, young, crisp leaf or romaine lettuce at the farmers market. Use only the best summer tomatoes.

INGREDIENTS

3 strips thick-cut, naturally cured bacon (see note above)

2 slices high-quality sandwich bread, such as shokupan

2 tablespoons (30ml) homemade or store-bought mayonnaise (see note above)

1 1/2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce (see note above)

4 thick slices ripe tomato (see note above)

Coarse sea salt, such as fleur de sel or Maldon

Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1.

Place a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Add bacon and place a bacon press, skillet, or masonry trowel on top of it to keep it flat as it cooks. Cook until lightly browned on first side, about 5 minutes, then flip, cover again, and continue cooking until bacon is browned on both sides and fat has rendered, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate and set aside.

2.

Place bread on same skillet or griddle and toast in bacon fat over medium-low heat, swirling occasionally, until evenly browned on first side. Flip and brown second side.

3.

Lay toasted bread on a work surface and spread mayonnaise on both top faces. Divide lettuce evenly between both pieces of bread. Layer tomato slices on one piece of bread and sprinkle generously with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper.

4.

Break bacon slices in half and layer them onto the sandwich in 2 layers of 3 half-slices each, alternating the orientation of bacon in each layer for more structural stability. Close sandwich and cut in half diagonally. Serve immediately.

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