In this presentation, traditional chocolate cake is enhanced with silky-smooth Caramel Buttercream offset by crunchy, salty chocolate-covered pretzels. This flavor combination is a best seller for adult birthdays, because it’s unique and sophisticated, but also made with recognizable flavors. The base of this icing is Swiss Buttercream (page 155), so it’s more buttery and not as sugary sweet as traditional birthday cake icing. Flakes of sea salt just lightly sprinkled at the edges of the cake give you an extra little burst of saltiness and help enhance the flavors of the caramel and the cake. The Caramel Buttercream requires a little more work than other icings, but it’s well worth the effort.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.
Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.
An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.
The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.
This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.