MAKES: 2 cups TIME: 10 minutes Also called simple syrup, this is perfect for adding sweetness to something without worrying about the sugar dissolving. It comes in handy when making sorbets, granitas, and iced drinks, including tea, coffee, and cocktails. Make this...
MAKES: About 3 dozen cookies TIME: 40 minutes Another not-too-sweet cookie (perfect for glazing), only this time a hint of saffron gives the cookies a gorgeous gold color, and their cakey texture will remind you of an elegant vanilla wafer. The olive oil is a...
MAKES: About 12 servings TIME: 11/2 hours, plus time to chill If you've never made cheesecake with anything but cream cheese, try this. Ricotta makes a creamy, moist, and light cheesecake that's delicious but is much lower in saturated fat (especially if you use...
MAKES: One 9-inch cake (at least 8 servings) TIME: About 1 hour Juicy, ripe plums caramelize beautifully to create a rich, caramelized topping when the cake is inverted. Use a skillet if you want to maximize this browning effect. The touch of rosemary gives the cake a...
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings TIME: About 21/2 hours, mostly unattended, with a prepared crust This tart is based on fruit marinated in its own juices, which is then slowly baked, so the filling retains some a fresh flavor and texture. The juices that accumulate are boiled...
MAKES: 1 rectangular cake or 2 layers (12 to 16 servings) TIME: About 1 hour, plus time to cool This is by no means for die-hard health fanatics; truly, it's an entirely delicious cake that uses olive oil for flavor and not just to replace the butter, which it does...
MAKES: About 3 dozen TIME: About 1 hour Dried apples make a nice updated version of this American classic, but whole grain fans won't want to stop there. Anything rolled is up for grabs (they're all made like rolled oats); quinoa is especially good. And just about any...
MAKES: Enough for any cake TIME: 10 minutes A close relative of true buttercream frosting, but a little more buttery and a little less sweet. It's rich and flavorful, though, so you'll probably find yourself using less than you would traditional buttercream, just a...
MAKES: About a dozen squares TIME: 15 minutes A better-tasting, good-for-you version of store-bought snack squares. These are a lot of fun to fool around with; see the variations. 3/4 cup honey 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn 3...
MAKES: 3 to 4 dozen TIME: About 11/2 hours, largely unattended These are not quite your grandma's maple cookies, especially if you try any of the variations. Rice flour makes the dough tender and snappy, but if you don't have any handy, cornmeal, semolina, or simply...
MAKES: 1 loaf (8 or more servings) TIME: About 1 hour, plus time to cool An Eastern European cake with deep, rich gingerbread-like taste and dark color. It's loaded with flavor from the rye flour, spices, honey, and coffee. Add up to a cup of chopped dried fruit...
MAKES: About a dozen squares TIME: 40 minutes Somewhere between a brownie, a cookie, and fudge. 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus a little for the greasing pan 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg Pinch salt 3/4 cup...