Everything Food
YIELD: 10 SERVINGS As a child, one of my favorite candy combinations was simply chocolate with almonds. These bite-size morsels are a tribute to these two “made for each other” flavors. Directions Preheat the oven to 375 °F and spread the almonds onto a baking tray. Bake for 7 minutes, or until fragrant. Watch carefully so …
YIELD: 8 OUNCES This confection is best used for baking or candy making, rather than straight snacking, but it’s perfect for the recipes in this book that call for white chocolate. Seek out the highest-quality food-grade cacao butter you can find for top-quality flavor. Directions In a double boiler, over medium-low heat, melt the cacao …
YIELD: 10 SERVINGS Sold in tiny tubes at specialty stores or in the baking aisle of your neighborhood grocery, marzipan is easy to make at home, saving you both money and the effort of finding one that is dairy-, egg- and gluten-free, which can be difficult. Bonus: almonds, the main ingredient here, are tiny powerhouses …
YIELD: 80 MINTS These mints are easy to whip up but impressive enough to brag about when serving to friends. Call them artisan and watch their eyes light up. Note that you can feel free to sub in Sweet Cashew Cream for the cream cheese, just add a little more confectioner’s sugar until it reaches …
YIELD: 20 PIECES There is much speculation about the origins of this candy, ranging from German, to Irish, to Pennsylvania Dutch, to the product of ingenuity during the Great Depression when limited ingredients were all there were to work with, which may be why potatoes are a key ingredient here. Even though potatoes aren’t normally …
YIELD: 5½ CUPS Such a fun treat to serve at Halloween, or anytime! The sweet and salty combo of kettle corn is hard to resist, so be sure to double the recipe if making for a large crowd. Directions Make sure your popcorn is popped and set aside, ready to go in a large bowl. …
YIELD: 8 SERVINGS Be sure to seek out raw or “Spanish” peanuts when making this recipe, as the peanuts actually cook in the hot candy mixture. If you use roasted, the peanuts will be overcooked. This candy works well with other flavors mixed in. Try 1 teaspoon cinnamon or Sriracha sauce for a fun kick. …
YIELD: 10 NESTS Sugar Nests make a very fun addition to a dessert’s presentation and are not as difficult as they appear. You do need to take caution when handling the hot syrup, making sure not to get any on you accidentally—as it gets hot! Otherwise, drizzle the sugar to your heart’s content to make …
YIELD: 30 PIECES Turkish Delight may be the origin of the jelly bean, with its chewy fruity center being an inspiration for the candy-covered beans. This candy is easy to prepare as long as you have all your equipment and ingredients gathered and ready to go. Directions Grease an 8 × 8-inch baking dish. Have …
YIELD: 40 PIECES I encourage you to seek out a willing partner if you have one handy to help pull. Not only is it more fun, but it’s a little easier on your upper body as well! Directions Grease a small glass baking dish and gather a candy thermometer and waxed paper. Set aside a …