Pine Nut and Chocolate Caramel Bars

With an orange-scented shortbread crust, gooey caramel topping, and delicate chocolate drizzle, this addictive treat is a great riff on the classic chocolate turtle candy.

For the crust

• 
  
  8 oz. (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened, cut into 6 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  2/3 cup granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. finely grated orange zest
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  11-1/4 oz. (2-1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  
  

For the topping

• 
  
  1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 oz. (3 Tbs.) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups pine nuts
  
  

Make the crust

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Line a straight-sided 13x9-inch metal baking pan with a large piece of heavy-duty foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides.


In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar, orange zest, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 3 minutes. Scrape the bowl. On low speed, mix in the flour until the dough is uniformly sandy, 1 to 2 minutes.


Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press evenly into the bottom. Bake until lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.


Melt the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl set in a skillet of barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until smooth (be careful not to get any water in the chocolate). With a small offset spatula, spread all but about 2 Tbs. of the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled crust. Return the bowl with the remaining chocolate to the skillet of warm water and set aside off the heat to keep warm.

Make the topping

Put 3 Tbs. of water in a heavy-duty 3-quart saucepan. Pour the sugar in the center of the pan and pat it down with a spatula just until evenly moistened. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the syrup turns amber, 6 to 8 minutes; swirl the pan as the sugar caramelizes to help it cook evenly. Slowly whisk in the cream (be careful—it will bubble vigorously and produce a lot of steam). Whisk in the butter and salt and boil until the butter is combined, 1 minute more.

Assemble the bars

Pour the caramel evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the pine nuts over the caramel. Bake until the caramel is bubbling all over and jiggles only slightly in the center when the pan is nudged, 24 to 26 minutes. If necessary, reheat the remaining chocolate until fluid. With a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the top. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Black Cod with Pine Nuts, Tomatoes, and Olives

Toasted pine nuts provide a nice textural contrast to the firm, flaky fish in this easy dinner recipe.

• 
  
  1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  3 medium cloves garlic, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup dry white wine
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grape tomatoes, halved (quartered if large)
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups lower-salt chicken broth
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup pitted, halved Niçoise olives
  
  


• 
  
  4 skinless black cod (sablefish) or Pacific cod fillets (about 4 oz. each)
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  2/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
  
  

Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and let simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, broth, and olives. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 8 minutes.


Season the fish with salt and pepper. Stir the thyme into the sauce. Nestle the fish into the sauce, return to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the fish is just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the fish to 4 shallow bowls. Add the pine nuts to the sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the fish and serve.

Crêpe Cake with Coffee Cream and Hazelnut Praline

A stack of crêpes layered with two sweet fillings—one creamy, one crunchy—becomes a luscious, sophisticated cake. It needs to chill before serving, so plan to make it ahead.

For the praline:

• 
  
  Vegetable oil, for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  5 oz. (1 cup) whole blanched or skinned toasted hazelnuts
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  

For the fillings:

• 
  
  2 Tbs. instant espresso powder
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. (2 cups) crème fraîche
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. (2 cups) mascarpone, at room temperature
  
  


• 
  
  3 oz. (3/4 cup) confectioners’ sugar
  
  

For assembly:

• 
  
  14 8-inch crêpes at room temperature
  
  


• 
  
  Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
  
  

Make the praline:

Lightly oil a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet. Put the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a heavy-duty 3-quart saucepan or sauté pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Let the mixture continue to cook without stirring until it’s a medium amber color, about 5 minutes more.

Carefully add the hazelnuts—don’t let the hot caramel splash you. Continue to cook, swirling the pan gently to coat the nuts, until the caramel is deep amber, 1 to 2 minutes more. Carefully pour the praline onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely.

Break the praline into pieces by smacking it on the counter or cracking it with a rolling pin. Put the pieces in a food processor, add 1/2 tsp. salt, and pulse to form a coarse powder. If you end up with a few large pieces but the rest is the right texture, remove them, dump out the powder and process again. Set aside.

Make the fillings:

In a small bowl, stir the espresso powder into 1 Tbs. of the crème fraîche until dissolved.

In a large bowl, whisk the mascarpone and the confectioners’ sugar until blended.

In a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer, beat the remaining crème fraîche on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. With a rubber spatula or big spoon, gently fold half the whipped crème fraîche into the mascarpone mixture until smooth, then fold in the second half.

Put 1-1/2 cups of the mascarpone mixture in a bowl. Gently fold in 1-1/4 cups of the praline powder. Gently fold the espresso-cream into the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Assemble the crêpe cake:

Lay 1 of the crêpes on a flat cake plate or platter that’s at least 9 inches in diameter. Spread a generous 1/4 cup of the espresso filling evenly over the crêpe, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Lay a second crêpe on top. Spread a generous 1/4 cup of the praline filling evenly over the crêpe, leaving the same border. Continue alternating the espresso and praline fillings until you’ve used all the crêpes. To avoid a “domed” cake, make the depth of the cream around the edges of the crêpes a touch deeper than in the centers, and when you add a new crêpe, lightly press down on the center of it with your fingers. Finish with a thin, even layer of the praline cream.

Carefully wrap the cake in plastic and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. The fillings will set up slightly, making the cake easier to slice.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup praline powder on top and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Shaved Summer Squash with Almond Salsa Verde

When shaved into long, thin ribbons, summer squash more readily soaks up flavor—plus, it’s fun to eat.

• 
  
  1/2 cup finely chopped toasted blanched almonds
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 Tbs. chopped capers
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. minced shallots
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 lb. yellow squash and green zucchini, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
  
  

In a large bowl, combine the almonds, cilantro, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, shallots, garlic, and kosher salt.

Shave the squash and zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Toss with the salsa verde, sea salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with more extra-virgin olive oil and serve.

Green Beans with Almonds and Garlic

Green beans amandine—beans tossed with toasted almonds and a lemon-butter sauce—is a classic. But this riff has much richer almond flavor because the beans are sautéed in the butter mixture in which the nuts were toasted. Using thin haricots verts makes the dish even more special; regular green beans are fine, too, but they’ll take longer to blanch.

• 
  
  1-1/2 lb. haricots verts (thin French green beans) or green beans, trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. pure olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup slivered almonds
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. minced or pressed garlic (1 medium clove)
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Bring a 6- to 7-quart pot of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until bright green and barely crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cool. Spread the beans on a clean kitchen towel and dry thoroughly.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the foam subsides. Add the almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown all over, about 3 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the almonds to a plate. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, increase the heat to medium, and cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender and lightly browned in some places, 5 to 8 minutes.

Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with the almonds, and serve.

Cavatappi with Cilantro-Pistachio Pesto

This unusual pesto doesn’t contain cheese—it gets all of its richness from pistachios. For a tasty variation, try substituting broccoli and red bell peppers for the cauliflower and carrots.

• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 large head cauliflower, cut into small (1/2- to 3/4 -inch) florets (about 6 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  3 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and then cut on the diagonal 1/2 inch thick
  
  


• 
  
  7 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
  
  


• 
  
  3 medium cloves garlic, peeled
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. cavatappi
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  2 large scallions, thinly sliced
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 475°F. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

Put the cauliflower and carrots on a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2‚ Tbs. of the olive oil and 1/2 tsp. salt and toss to coat. Roast for 10 minutes, stir, and continue roasting until tender and golden in spots, about 10 minutes more.

Meanwhile, pulse the cilantro, pistachios, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the remaining 5‚ Tbs. oil and purée until the sauce is very smooth. Add the lemon juice and 3/4 tsp. salt and pulse to mix.

Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot. Toss the warm pasta with the roasted vegetables and pesto. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve.

Crêpe Cake with Coffee Cream and Hazelnut Praline

A stack of crêpes layered with two sweet fillings—one creamy, one crunchy—becomes a luscious, sophisticated cake. It needs to chill before serving, so plan to make it ahead.

For the praline:

• 
  
  Vegetable oil, for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  5 oz. (1 cup) whole blanched or skinned toasted hazelnuts
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  

For the fillings:

• 
  
  2 Tbs. instant espresso powder
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. (2 cups) crème fraîche
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. (2 cups) mascarpone, at room temperature
  
  


• 
  
  3 oz. (3/4 cup) confectioners’ sugar
  
  

For assembly:

• 
  
  14 8-inch crêpes at room temperature
  
  


• 
  
  Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
  
  

Make the praline:

Lightly oil a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet. Put the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a heavy-duty 3-quart saucepan or sauté pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Let the mixture continue to cook without stirring until it’s a medium amber color, about 5 minutes more.

Carefully add the hazelnuts—don’t let the hot caramel splash you. Continue to cook, swirling the pan gently to coat the nuts, until the caramel is deep amber, 1 to 2 minutes more. Carefully pour the praline onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely.

Break the praline into pieces by smacking it on the counter or cracking it with a rolling pin. Put the pieces in a food processor, add 1/2 tsp. salt, and pulse to form a coarse powder. If you end up with a few large pieces but the rest is the right texture, remove them, dump out the powder and process again. Set aside.

Make the fillings:

In a small bowl, stir the espresso powder into 1 Tbs. of the crème fraîche until dissolved.

In a large bowl, whisk the mascarpone and the confectioners’ sugar until blended.

In a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer, beat the remaining crème fraîche on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. With a rubber spatula or big spoon, gently fold half the whipped crème fraîche into the mascarpone mixture until smooth, then fold in the second half.

Put 1-1/2 cups of the mascarpone mixture in a bowl. Gently fold in 1-1/4 cups of the praline powder. Gently fold the espresso-cream into the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Assemble the crêpe cake:

Lay 1 of the crêpes on a flat cake plate or platter that’s at least 9 inches in diameter. Spread a generous 1/4 cup of the espresso filling evenly over the crêpe, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Lay a second crêpe on top. Spread a generous 1/4 cup of the praline filling evenly over the crêpe, leaving the same border. Continue alternating the espresso and praline fillings until you’ve used all the crêpes. To avoid a “domed” cake, make the depth of the cream around the edges of the crêpes a touch deeper than in the centers, and when you add a new crêpe, lightly press down on the center of it with your fingers. Finish with a thin, even layer of the praline cream.

Carefully wrap the cake in plastic and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. The fillings will set up slightly, making the cake easier to slice.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup praline powder on top and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Shaved Summer Squash with Almond Salsa Verde

When shaved into long, thin ribbons, summer squash more readily soaks up flavor—plus, it’s fun to eat.

• 
  
  1/2 cup finely chopped toasted blanched almonds
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 Tbs. chopped capers
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. minced shallots
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 lb. yellow squash and green zucchini, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
  
  

In a large bowl, combine the almonds, cilantro, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, shallots, garlic, and kosher salt.

Shave the squash and zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Toss with the salsa verde, sea salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with more extra-virgin olive oil and serve.

Chocolate-Nut Zucchini Bread

Got more zucchini than you know what to do with? Turn them into this sweet, tender quick bread. If you’re working with large zucchini, cut them in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds before weighing. Macerating the grated zucchini—tossing it with sugar and letting it sit—helps draw out excess moisture to avoid the soggy, dense texture that often plagues zucchini bread.
Watch the video series Homegrown/Homemade: Squash to see Fine Cooking's Sarah Breckenridge make this recipe.

• 
  
  4 oz. (8 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  9-1/2 oz. (2 cups plus 2 Tbs.) unbleached all-purpose flour; more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. zucchini (about 3 small), stem ends trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup strongly brewed coffee, cold or at room temperature
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt or buttermilk
  
  


• 
  
  2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2 oz. finely chopped bittersweet chocolate (1/3 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup chopped walnuts (2 oz.)
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. baking powder
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. baking soda
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. table salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 8-1/2 x 4-1/2-inch metal loaf pan and dust with flour; tap out any excess.


Using the large grating disk on a food processor, pass the zucchini vertically through the feed tube to grate. (If the zucchini is too wide to fit, slice in half lengthwise.) Discard any remaining ungrated portions wedged on top of the disk. Transfer the grated zucchini to a colander or sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the sugar over the grated zucchini and toss to distribute. Sprinkle another 1 Tbs. sugar over the zucchini and toss again. Set aside for 20 minutes.


In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Pour the butter into a medium bowl and let cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk the remaining 3/4 cup sugar, coffee, yogurt or buttermilk, and eggs into the butter.


In a large bowl, combine the flour, chocolate, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.


Squeeze the zucchini by the fistful to thoroughly wring out excess liquid. Add the zucchini to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Pour over the flour mixture and, using a large wooden spoon, stir until just blended.


Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and release the bread, turning it upright onto the rack until completely cooled.

Green Beans with Almonds and Garlic

Green beans amandine—beans tossed with toasted almonds and a lemon-butter sauce—is a classic. But this riff has much richer almond flavor because the beans are sautéed in the butter mixture in which the nuts were toasted. Using thin haricots verts makes the dish even more special; regular green beans are fine, too, but they’ll take longer to blanch.

• 
  
  1-1/2 lb. haricots verts (thin French green beans) or green beans, trimmed
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. pure olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup slivered almonds
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. minced or pressed garlic (1 medium clove)
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Bring a 6- to 7-quart pot of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until bright green and barely crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cool. Spread the beans on a clean kitchen towel and dry thoroughly.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the foam subsides. Add the almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown all over, about 3 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the almonds to a plate. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, increase the heat to medium, and cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender and lightly browned in some places, 5 to 8 minutes.

Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with the almonds, and serve.

Baby Greens with Chicken, Dried Cherries, Pears & Pecans

Short on time? Rotisserie chicken is a time saver in this hearty dinner salad. Feel free to substitute your favorite lettuces for the herb salad or mixed greens.

• 
  
  1 medium clove garlic
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. red-wine vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium firm-ripe pear, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup dried tart cherries
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. packaged herb salad or mixed baby greens (8 loosely packed cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup pecans, toasted
  
  

Chop the garlic, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt, and mash to a paste with the flat side of a chef's knife. Put the paste in a large serving bowl and whisk in the olive oil, vinegar, thyme, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Gently stir in the pear and cherries. Add the greens, chicken, and pecans and toss to coat. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Crostini with Brie Dates and Toasted Walnuts

This nibble builds on the classic pairing of cheese, dried fruit, and nuts. A splash of balsamic vinegar helps bring together all the flavors. The crostini are best served right out of the oven, though they can also hold for an hour or two at room temperature.

• 
  
  1 medium baguette (about 1/2 lb.), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (about 24 slices)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup Medjool dates (about 6 to 8), pitted and coarsely chopped
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. honey
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  6 oz. brie, rind trimmed and softened to room temperature
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. thinly sliced chives
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Set the bread slices on a large baking sheet; dab both sides with the oil and sprinkle one side lightly with salt (about 1/4 tsp. for all the bread). Bake until the bread starts to brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the walnuts with the dates, honey, and vinegar.

While the bread is still warm, spread with brie and then top with the date and nut mixture. Sprinkle with the chives and serve.

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Nuts

Guests dropping by at the last minute? The more the merrier! These sweet-spicy nuts have only a few ingredients, are simple to prepare, and take a less-is-more approach to entertaining.

• 
  
  1 lb. mixed unsalted almonds, pecans, and cashews
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 Tbs. light brown sugar
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Spread the nuts on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until they start to brown, about 10 minutes.

While the nuts are roasting, combine the sugar, thyme, chipotle powder, and 1 tsp. salt in a small bowl. Transfer the nuts to a large bowl, add the butter, and toss well. Add the sugar mixture and toss again to coat evenly. Season with more salt to taste, transfer to small bowls, and serve while still warm. (These are also good at room temperature and will keep in an airtight container for at least 3 days.)

Cranberry-Pecan Croutons with Gruyère and Rosemary

Crisp on the outside, tender within, and covered in melted cheese, these ooey-gooey herby croutons are to die for. Any fruit-nut bread will work well here; walnut-raisin is a great option.

• 
  
  A crusty loaf of cranberry-­pecan bread
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  3 oz. coarsely grated Gruyère (3/4 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
  
  


• 
  
  Flaky sea salt
  
  

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Cut twenty-four 1-inch cubes from the loaf of bread.

Melt 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the bread cubes, arranging them 1/2 inch or more apart, and cook until the bottoms are golden, about 1 minute. Turn the cubes over and add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter.

Remove the skillet from the heat and top the croutons with the Gruyère and rosemary. Broil until the cheese melts, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with sea salt. Using a metal spatula, loosen the croutons from the bottom of the pan and separate each so they’re easier to pick up. Serve in the skillet with a kitchen towel wrapped around the handle, offering toothpicks or small forks for spearing the croutons.

Almond Sablés

Of the three different cookies you can make with the versatile Almond Dough, this is the simplest: the dough is simply sliced and rolled in raw sugar for a crunchy, crumbly cookie that's not too sweet.

• 
  
  One-third of a batch (10-1/2 to 11 oz. or 1-1/4 cups) freshly made Almond Cookie Dough
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 Tbs. granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup turbinado (or granulated) sugar
  
  

Use the back of a large spoon or a rubber spatula to mash the 1-1/2 Tbs. granulated sugar into the dough until it’s evenly dispersed. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a log about 6 inches long and 1-3/4 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in waxed paper or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.

Put the 1/4 cup turbinado (or granulated) sugar on a flat surface such as a tray or clean countertop. Roll the log of dough in the sugar, pressing so the sugar adheres. Cut the log into 1/4-inch slices and arrange them at least 1 inch apart on an ungreased or foil-lined cookie sheet. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the cookies sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the edges are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan from front to back about halfway through baking. Let the cookies sit on the sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a rack with a metal spatula. Let cool completely before storing airtight.

Hazelnut-Almond Dacquoise

Most of the offerings at Flour Bakery + Cafe are decidedly American: chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, puddings, and muffins. But when I wrote the opening menu, I knew I wanted to include this very French cake. I really like how dramatic it looks and how well all of the flavors and textures go together. Dacquoise refers to both the baked meringue layers within the cake and the composed cake itself. First, you make a light meringue and quickly and gently fold in hazelnut and almond flour. Then you pipe three long rectangles of the meringue onto a baking sheet and bake them in a slow oven overnight, so they dry out and get crispy. A creamy espresso buttercream that tastes like soft coffee ice cream and a chocolate ganache filling are sandwiched between the layers. The cake is not difficult to make, but all of its components make it important to read the recipe from start to finish so you can organize your prep schedule. Each component can be made in advance, which makes the final assembly of the cake easier.

• 
  
  1/2 cup blanched whole hazelnuts, plus 3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup blanched whole almonds, plus 1/4 cup blanched whole hazelnuts, toasted
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/8 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  6 egg whites
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup granulated sugar
  
  

For the bittersweet chocolate ganache

• 
  
  1 lb.semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups heavy cream
  
  

For the espresso buttercream

• 
  
  3/4 cup granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup water
  
  


• 
  
  2 eggs
  
  


• 
  
  1 egg yolk
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 2-inch chunks
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. instant espresso powder, 2 Tbs. instant coffee powder, or 1/4 cup cooled brewed espresso
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 225°F. Line an 18-by-13-inch baking sheet (if you don’t have a sheet that large, line 2 smaller sheets) with parchment paper. Draw three 10-by-3-inch rectangles at least 3 inches apart on one side of the parchment paper, then turn the parchment over and liberally coat the other side of the paper with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

In a food processor, pulse the 1/2 cup hazelnuts until ground to a fine powder. (Stop grinding once they are powdery; if you continue, they will become a paste.) Transfer to a medium bowl. Repeat with the 1/2 cup almonds, and add the ground almonds to the hazelnuts. Sift the confectioners’ sugar into the bowl holding the ground nuts. Add the salt and stir with a rubber spatula until all of the ingredients are well mixed.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment (or a handheld mixer), beat the egg whites on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they hold soft peaks. (This will take 6 to 7 minutes with a handheld mixer.) The whites will start to froth and turn into bubbles, and eventually the yellowy viscous part will disappear. Keep whipping until you can see the tines of your whip leaving a slight trail in the whites. To test for the soft-peak stage, stop the mixer and lift the whip out of the whites; the whites should peak and then droop.

On medium speed, add the granulated sugar in three equal additions, mixing for 30 seconds after each addition. When all of the granulated sugar has been incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat for about 15 seconds longer. The meringue should be slightly glossy and white and somewhat stiff. Scrape the meringue into a large bowl.

Sprinkle the nut-sugar mixture on top of the meringue. Working quickly and gently, use a rubber spatula to fold the nuts into the meringue, scraping the sides of the bowl to catch any loose nuts. The final consistency will be soupy, gloupy, and puddingy.

Fit a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch round plain tip and fill the bag with the meringue. Following the guidelines you drew on the underside of the parchment paper, pipe 3 rectangles of meringue, “fill in” the rectangles to form your individual layers. Space the rectangles about 3 inches apart (they will expand in the oven).

Bake for about 3 hours, or until the dacquoise rectangles are firm to the touch. Turn off the oven and leave the rectangles in the closed oven for at least 6 hours or for up to 12 hours.

To make the chocolate ganache

Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, scald the cream over medium-high heat (bubbles start to form around the edge of the pan, but the cream is not boiling). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for about 1 minute, then slowly whisk the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. You should have about 4 cups. Let cool, cover, and store at room temperature for up to overnight. (The ganache can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remove it from the refrigerator 1 day before using.)

To make the buttercream

In a small saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar and water. Place the pan over high heat, bring to a boil, and cook, without stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the syrup registers 238°F on a candy thermometer (the soft-ball stage). Meanwhile, fit the stand mixer with the whip attachment (or use a handheld mixer) and beat together the eggs and egg yolk on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until pale and light.

When the syrup is ready, remove from the heat. On low speed, slowly add the syrup into the eggs, drizzling it down the side of the bowl to keep it from hitting the whip and spattering. Turn the speed up to medium and whip for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture turns light and fluffy, is pale, and is cool to the touch. Turn the speed down to low and add the butter, a few chunks as a time. Increase the speed to medium and continue to whip for 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture will break and look curdled at first, but don’t worry. It will soon become smooth and silky.

Add the espresso powder and salt and whip until completely combined. You should have about 3 cups. Use within 30 minutes, or cover and leave at room temperature for up to 8 hours, and then beat vigorously with a wood spoon until smooth before using. (Or, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, then bring to room temperature and beat with the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for a few minutes until smooth before using.)

To assemble the cake

When the dacquoise rectangles are ready, carefully peel them from the parchment paper. Using a small paring knife or a small, serrated knife, trim the edges so they are even and the rectangles are all about the same size. The rectangles are fairly delicate at this point, and if you are not careful, they could shatter. The best way to avoid this is to shave off a little piece at a time until the rectangles are roughly uniform. If a rectangle shatters as you are trimming it, don’t fret. That rectangle can be the middle layer. If 2 or all 3 rectangles shatter, again don’t fret. You can piece them together as you assemble the cake. The cake will not be quite as neat, but the final product will taste the same.

Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the dacquoise rectangles and place one rectangle on the cardboard. Fit a pastry bag fitted with the 1/2-inch round plain tip and fill with about half of the ganache. Pipe a layer of ganache about 1/2 inch thick on top of the dacquoise. Gently press a second dacquoise rectangle directly on top of the ganache layer and press lightly to adhere the dacquoise to the ganache. Fill the pastry bag with about two-thirds of the espresso buttercream and pipe a layer of buttercream about 1/2 inch thick on top of the second dacquoise layer.

Top the buttercream with the last dacquoise rectangle, placing it upside down so the flat side is on top. Press lightly to adhere this last rectangle to the buttercream. Use a small offset spatula to spread the remaining buttercream into the gaps between the layers and to spread a very thin layer all over the dacquoise. Do your best to make the exterior of the cake as smooth as you can—you will need to use a fair amount of buttercream to fill in all the gaps.

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill all of the layers. (At this point, the cake can be well wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.)

When ready to serve, spoon the remaining ganache into a small heatproof bowl, place over (not touching) simmering water in a saucepan, and heat just until melted. (Or, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on low power for 30 to 45 seconds, or just until melted and warmed enough to pour freely—not warmer than that). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet (to catch the drips), and place the cake on the rack. Pour the melted ganache evenly over the entire dacquoise, so it covers the top and drips down the sides. Use a small offset spatula to level off the ganache on the top of the cake. Then, with the spatula, spread the ganache that drips down the sides so that it covers the sides evenly. Some of the ganache may mix into the buttercream, which is okay, because the sides will be covered with sliced almonds. Now, press the sliced almonds into the sides of the cake, covering them completely. (It helps to tilt the cake with one hand and press the almonds with your other hand.) Place the cake on a cake plate, and press the whole hazelnuts along the top edge for decoration.

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Plum Clafoutis

Clafoutis is a traditional French dessert made by pouring a custard over fruit and baking it. Quickly sautéing the fruit first concentrates its juice and creates a flavorful syrup that permeates the custard. You can make this dessert with any ripe but relatively firm fruit that will remain intact, such as cherries, apricots, pears, or figs. 

• 
  
  1 Tbs. sliced almonds
  
  


• 
  
  7 Tbs. granulated sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more for the pie plate
  
  


• 
  
  12 oz. (3 to 5 medium) red or black plums, pitted and quartered
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. brandy
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. amaretto
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 oz. (1/3 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 tsp. table salt
  
  


• 
  
  3 large eggs
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup whole milk
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  
  


• 
  
  Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Put the almonds in a 9-inch ceramic or metal pie plate and toast in the oven until pale golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a small bowl to cool, stir in 1 Tbs. of the sugar, and set aside. Return the pie plate to the oven and raise the temperature to 425°F.

Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is bubbling and hot, add the plums, and cook, turning, until they begin to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle 3 Tbs. of the sugar over the fruit. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the sugar melts into the fruit juices and becomes a syrup, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the brandy and amaretto.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and the remaining 3 Tbs. sugar. Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is completely smooth; then whisk in the milk, cream, and vanilla.

Remove the pie plate from the oven and carefully butter it. Pour the fruit and syrup into the pie plate, spreading the fruit evenly.

Pour the custard over the fruit (the pie plate will be very full). Bake, sprinkling the reserved almond topping over the batter halfway through baking, until puffy and the center is set, about 15 minutes.

Let the clafoutis cool to warm, 10 to 15 minutes (it will deflate). Dust liberally with confectioners’ sugar and serve. 

Almond-Crusted Halibut

The crunchy earthiness of the halibut’s nut-coating is balanced by a crisp green salad and a drizzle of tangy lemon-tarragon vinaigrette. Since fish cooks so quickly, this dish is speedy by nature, but you can save even more time by chopping the almonds in a food processor and making the vinaigrette while the halibut cooks.

• 
  
  4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  2 large eggs
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups toasted slivered almonds, finely chopped
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
  
  


• 
  
  1 1- to 1-1/2-lb. skinless halibut fillet (preferably 1 inch thick), cut into 4 pieces and patted dry
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  5 oz. (8 cups) mixed salad greens
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium shallot, minced
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. chopped fresh tarragon leaves
  
  

Line up three medium bowls on the counter. Whisk the flour, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper in the first; lightly beat the eggs in the second; and mix the almonds, lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp. salt in the third. Lightly season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour, then the egg, and then the almond mixture, pressing the nuts onto the fish so they adhere.

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the fish and cook, flipping once, until browned on both sides and flaky throughout (cut into a piece to check), about 4 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, put the greens in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, shallot, tarragon, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil. Toss the greens with enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat. Season to taste with salt.

Divide the greens among 4 plates and top with one of the halibut fillets. Drizzle some of the remaining vinaigrette over each and serve.

Caramel Peanut Popcorn

Cracker Jacks watch out! The popcorn, excerpted from the book DamGood Sweet, is great bagged in cellophane and given as gifts, or serve it in paper cones. For a more sophisticated take, try substituting toasted sliced almonds for the peanuts.

• 
  
  1 3-1⁄2-oz. package plain (unbuttered natural flavor) microwave popcorn 
  
  


• 
  
  1  cup packed light brown sugar
  
  


• 
  
  1⁄4  cup light corn syrup
  
  


• 
  
  6  Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
  
  


• 
  
  1⁄4  tsp. salt
  
  


• 
  
  2  tsp. vanilla extract
  
  


• 
  
  1⁄2  tsp. baking soda
  
  


• 
  
  1  cup lightly salted peanuts (extra large, if available), roughly chopped
  
  

Heat the oven to 250°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Pop the popcorn according to the package instructions. Coat a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and transfer the popcorn from the bag to the bowl, then set the bowl aside.

Whisk the sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and 2 Tbs. of water in a pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer, stirring often, until the mixture reads 250°F on a digital thermometer, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in the vanilla and the baking soda. Immediately pour the hot mixture over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the caramel into the popcorn until all of the popcorn is coated. Gently stir in the peanuts and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack for 20 minutes. Gently break up the popcorn and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (less if it’s hot and humid).

Salted-Peanut Blondies

I like peanuts best when they are well salted and paired with something sweet. Bazzini peanuts from New York City have an exceptional crunch, a good roasted flavor, and a pleasing level of saltiness, which makes them the perfect addition to buttery blondies studded with milk chocolate chips. This recipe makes small blondies; you can cut them bigger if you like.

• 
  
  2 cups all-purpose flour
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. baking powder
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  12 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups light brown sugar
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. vanilla bean paste
  
  


• 
  
  2 large eggs
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup 38% milk chocolate chips
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup high-quality salted peanuts (such as Bazzini), chopped
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. fleur de sel
  
  

Heat the oven to 350°F. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl, using a handheld mixer), cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the vanilla paste and beat for 30 seconds. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add the dry ingredients 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the chocolate chips and beat until evenly distributed, about 1 minute.

Spread the batter into the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and fleur de sel over the top. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the edges appear crisp and the top is slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before cutting with a sharp knife.