Thursday Desserts
It's Thursday, almost the end of the week. To help you through the day, today's desserts have a little of this, a little of that, and a lot of yum. Check out the Sweet Cherry Upside-Down Cake, the Homemade Twinkies, or any of the other yummy desserts in today's post. Enjoy!
VEGAN PUMPKIN PIE
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, "This is an easy homemade vegan pumpkin pie recipe. It's a quick, simple, dairy-free, and vegan version of the classic pumpkin pie recipe, using tofu as a binder instead of eggs. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Vegan pumpkin pie with tofu is perfect for a vegan Thanksgiving or Halloween, but easy enough to whip up anytime you're craving pumpkin pie.
"If you've never tried making a pie with tofu as a base, fear not. It really is super easy, super quick, and super delicious, and, believe it or not, won't actually taste the tofu at all. The tofu just serves as a base to carry all the other flavors, including the pumpkin, and those fantastic fall spices: ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 pie
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-vegan-pumpkin-pie-recipe-3376760.
Ingredients
3/4 pound silken tofu
1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 tablespoons molasses
1 prepared pie crust
Directions
Gather the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 F.
Place the silken tofu and the pumpkin puree in a food processor or blender, and process until smooth.
Add in the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, oil, vanilla, brown sugar, and molasses and process again until smooth.
Pour this mixture into a prepared pie crust.
Bake your pumpkin pie in the oven for 1 hour.
Chill before serving and top with whipped cream or non-dairy whipped cream if desired.
Tips
If your pumpkin pie still doesn't seem to want to firm up, reduce your oven temperature to about 225 F, and leave it in another 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pie, allow it to cool slightly then stick in the refrigerator until it is completely cool. Then, stick it in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
How long have those spices been sitting in the back of your cupboard? For the most vibrant flavor, you should use fresh spices. It might be time to hit the grocery store and pick up some new and fresh cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
HOMEMADE TWINKIES
This is from Jennifer Steinhauer in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. The recipe begins, "Dispirited by the possible demise in 2012 of Hostess, the company that makes Twinkies, Ho Hos, and Hostess cupcakes, Jennifer Steinhauer began to wonder if she could make Hostess snack cakes, as well as other much-loved junk food from the past, in her own kitchen. She started with this classic, the Twinkie, by buying a canoe pan, which conveniently came with a cream injector. This recipe is a traditional sponge cake-style recipe, with whipped egg whites and sugar forming the base, then filled by cream injector with seven-minute frosting. Neighbors were delighted when she shared the results, but it was short lived. By the next day, the cake had absorbed the cream -- so make sure to eat them fast."
Yield: 12 homemade Twinkies; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
This was featured in "It’s Not Junk if I Made It", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12328-homemade-twinkies..
Ingredients
For the Cakes:
Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil
1/2 cup cake flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs at room temperature, separated
12 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
For the Filling:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup Marshmallow Fluff
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
For the cakes: Heat the oven to 350 degrees and adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position.
To make single-use Twinkie molds, cut 12 pieces of aluminum foil 12 inches wide by 14 inches long. Fold each piece of foil in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again to create a rectangle that’s about 6 inches long and 7 inches wide. Repeat to make a dozen rectangles.
Place one sheet of folded foil on a work surface with a standard-size spice jar on its side in the center of the foil. Bring the long sides of the foil up around the jar, folding the sides and ends as necessary to make a tight trough-shape from which the jar can be removed. Repeat to make 12 foil molds. Spray generously with nonstick spray or coat with vegetable oil. Place the molds on a baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Cover to keep warm.
Using a standing mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until foamy. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of the sugar and the cream of tartar and continue to beat until the whites reach soft peaks.
Transfer the beaten egg whites to a large bowl and add the egg yolks to the standing mixer bowl (there’s no need to clean the bowl). Beat the egg yolks with the remaining 6 tablespoons sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is very thick and a pale lemon color, about 5 minutes. Add the beaten egg whites to the yolks, but do not mix.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over the egg whites and then mix everything on low speed for just 10 seconds. Remove the bowl from the mixer, make a well in one side of the batter, and pour the melted butter mixture into the bowl. Fold gently with a large rubber spatula until the batter shows no trace of flour and the whites and yolks are evenly mixed, about 8 strokes.
Immediately scrape the batter into the prepared molds, filling each with about .75 inch of batter. Bake until the cake tops are light brown and feel firm and spring back when touched, 13 to 15 minutes. Transfer the pan containing the molds to a wire rack and allow the cakes to cool in the molds.
For the filling: Using a mixer, beat together the butter, confectioners’ sugar and Marshmallow Fluff. Add the cream and beat just until smooth.
Just before filling the cakes, remove them from the foil. Using the end of a chopstick, poke three holes in the bottom of each cake. Wiggle the tip of the chopstick to make room for the filling. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip. Pipe frosting into the holes in each cake, taking care not to overfill, until it gently expands. Unlike real Twinkies, these won’t last indefinitely. They’re best served still slightly warm.
Tip
Adapted from leitesculinaria.com
ICE CREAM IN A BAG
This is from Lena Abraham, Senior Food Editor at Delish. Lena wrote, "You don't need a fancy ice cream maker to make ice cream at home. All you need is a plastic baggie and 15 minutes. Top with any of your favorite topping and enjoy homemade ice cream instantly! If we had known making your own ice cream was this easy we would have started making it a long time ago!
"To customize you can change up the extract or add in a little chocolate syrup before you start shaking. We also love folding in chopped Oreos or Reeses after. If you want your ice cream a little firmer, place it in an airtight container in the freezer before serving."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yields: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54721/ice-cream-in-a-bag-recipe/.
Ingredients
1 c. half-and-half
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 c. ice
1/3 c. kosher salt
Toppings of your choice
Directions
In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.
Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.
Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.
SWEET CHERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
This is from Jerrelle Guy in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Jerrelle wrote, "There’s a little black pepper in this cake, which provides just enough heat to enhance the sweetness of the cherries. If you’re worried about the pepper, cut back on the amount called for, but if you’re excited about it, you may want to double it. This is a sweet, rustic and rich upside-down cake that’s sturdy enough to hold up to its juicy fruit topping. Once the finished cake gets inverted onto a platter, the extra cherry juice soaks back into the cake as it cools, which means it gets better as it sits. Serve the cake with lemon whipped cream made by beating cold heavy cream with the leftover lemon juice and some sugar until stiff. It’s helpful for covering up any imperfections in the cake, too!"
Time: 45 minutes; plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021265-sweet-cherry-upside-down-cake.
Note: Under "cooking notes" (below the recipe), someone wrote, "Easy and delicious. Served with vanilla ice cream instead of the leamon whipped cream..." Either way, we're talking very yummy.
Ingredients
Yields One 9-inch cake
For the Cake:
1 pound sweet cherries, halved and pitted (about 2-1/2 cups)
1/4 packed cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black or white pepper, plus more if you like
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled to room temperature
2 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Whipped Cream (optional):
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375 degrees. In a 9-inch cake pan (or cast-iron skillet), add the cherries, brown sugar, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, the pepper, and 2 tablespoons melted butter; toss gently to combine. Place in the oven for up to 10 minutes to begin softening the cherries while you make the cake batter.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla and baking soda with the remaining 6 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Sprinkle the flour over top then fold it in until evenly combined and a thick batter is formed.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or in a medium mixing bowl with a handheld electric beater, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes or until stiff. Add 1/3 of the beaten egg whites to the cake batter and gently fold, then add the remaining egg whites and fold until fully incorporated, trying to keep as much air as possible in the whites.
Remove the hot pan from the oven, shake it gently to toss the fruit a final time, then dollop the cake batter over the top, and gently spread it evenly to the edges. (It’s OK if some fruit juice or cherries pool over the edges of the batter.)
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven, run a butter knife around the edges, and then allow it to rest for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting it onto a lipped platter to catch any juices.
Once the cake has cooled, make the lemon whipped cream, if desired: In the cleaned bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or in a medium mixing bowl using a handheld beater, add the heavy cream, lemon juice and granulated sugar, and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds to thicken and combine, then turn the speed to high and beat until desired stiffness.
Serve the cake at room temperature, with lemon whipped cream, if using.
GINGER MOLASSES COOKIES
This yummy recipe is from Jessie Sheehan at The Spruce Eats. Jessie wrote, "Our chewy ginger molasses cookies are a true holiday cookie dream. Take a bite of chewy centers, crispy edges, and the best fall spices like ginger, cinnamon, and a dash of white pepper for a little kick. Tossed in granulated sugar before baking, the resulting cookie is a sparkly treat with a wonderful bite. These cookies travel well when packaged carefully and are a perfect addition to any dessert table after the Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. They also make a great everyday dessert when served on their own or with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
"Making the cookies does not require a stand or hand mixer and they freeze beautifully, either pre- or post-bake, making them a fabulous choice if you like to plan and make ahead."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 12 minutes; Chilling the Dough: 80 minutes; Total Time: 117 minutes; Servings: 18 servings; Yield: 36 cookies
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/ginger-molasses-cookies-5086423.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon white pepper, optional
6 ounces (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup molasses
Granulated sugar, for rolling
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and white pepper, if using.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and yolk one at a time, whisking after each addition.
Add the vanilla and molasses and whisk until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a flexible spatula to combine. Place the dough in the refrigerator until it has a scoopable texture, or about 20 to 30 minutes.
Scoop the dough into 1-1/2 tablespoon balls using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoons.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place on the prepared cookie sheets, about 12 balls per sheet. Place the sheets in the freezer to firm up for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will prevent the cookies from spreading when baked.
Roll the cookie balls in granulated sugar again for extra sparkle. Bake for about 12 minutes until the tops are cracked and the cookies are slightly puffy. Once removed from the oven, flatten each cookie lightly with a spatula. Serve warm or cold.
For Great Results
Follow our expert advice to make unforgettable ginger cookies:
Bake for 12 minutes for a chewier cookie. For a crispier cookie, bake for 14 minutes.
Refrigerate the dough overnight and up to 72 hours for extra-chewy cookies.
Re-sugar the baked cookies by dipping each side in a shallow bowl of granulated sugar while still warm for even more sparkle.
Keep in an airtight container on the counter for three days or freeze in a resealable plastic bag for up to a month.
Other Flavors and Additions
For a different flavor profile, here are some of our favorite variations:
Add cayenne pepper instead of white pepper for a different kind of heat.
Add 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks for a delicious ginger chocolate cookie.
Add 3/4 cup macadamia nuts, almonds, or cashews for a nutty flavor and extra texture. If needed, use sunflower seeds for a cookie that's free of tree nuts.
Use turbinado sugar, rather than granulated, for even more sparkle and crunch.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, rather than just granulated, for an even spicier finish.
Scoop the cookies with a 1/4-cup ice cream scoop, rather than one sized at 1-1/2 tablespoons, and make jumbo ginger molasses cookies.
EASY VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER-MAPLE ICE CREAM
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, "With a flavor like the inside of a peanut butter cup and a plush, velvety texture, this four-ingredient ice cream is one of the easiest, most satisfying dairy-free recipes of its kind. The key is to use unsweetened oat creamer as the base. Not only does it have a neutral flavor and thick texture, but its starches also help keep iciness at bay. Simmering the maple syrup to eliminate excess water is another trick to enhance creaminess, and the concentrated maple flavor is delightful. A topping of chocolate shavings or sprinkles is optional, but really drives home the peanut butter cup comparison."
Yield: About 3-1/2 cups; Time: 20 minutes, plus 4 hours' freezing
This was featured in "Four-Ingredient Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Without a Machine", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023276-easy-vegan-peanut-butter-maple-ice-cream.
While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's wondeful guide, "How to Make Ice Cream". It's well worth your time.
Ingredients
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 cups unsweetened oat creamer
1 cup smooth creamy peanut butter (preferably not natural peanut butter, which can be gritty; see Tip)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, simmer maple syrup, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by a third, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let syrup cool completely, stirring it occasionally as it cools. You should have about 1/2 cup.
Place syrup, creamer, peanut butter, vanilla and salt in a blender or food processor (or use an immersion blender), and blend until smooth, 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Pour ice cream into a loaf pan.
Cover and place in the freezer to harden overnight or for at least 4 to 6 hours. Remove pan from the freezer at least 10 minutes before scooping and serving, topped with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if you like.
Tip
You can substitute other nut butters (almond, cashew, hazelnut) for the peanut butter. Just make sure to choose ones without added sugar or it may end up too sweet.
VEGAN PUMPKIN PIE
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, "This is an easy homemade vegan pumpkin pie recipe. It's a quick, simple, dairy-free, and vegan version of the classic pumpkin pie recipe, using tofu as a binder instead of eggs. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Vegan pumpkin pie with tofu is perfect for a vegan Thanksgiving or Halloween, but easy enough to whip up anytime you're craving pumpkin pie.
"If you've never tried making a pie with tofu as a base, fear not. It really is super easy, super quick, and super delicious, and, believe it or not, won't actually taste the tofu at all. The tofu just serves as a base to carry all the other flavors, including the pumpkin, and those fantastic fall spices: ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 pie
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-vegan-pumpkin-pie-recipe-3376760.
Ingredients
3/4 pound silken tofu
1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 tablespoons molasses
1 prepared pie crust
Directions
Gather the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 F.
Place the silken tofu and the pumpkin puree in a food processor or blender, and process until smooth.
Add in the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, oil, vanilla, brown sugar, and molasses and process again until smooth.
Pour this mixture into a prepared pie crust.
Bake your pumpkin pie in the oven for 1 hour.
Chill before serving and top with whipped cream or non-dairy whipped cream if desired.
Tips
If your pumpkin pie still doesn't seem to want to firm up, reduce your oven temperature to about 225 F, and leave it in another 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pie, allow it to cool slightly then stick in the refrigerator until it is completely cool. Then, stick it in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
How long have those spices been sitting in the back of your cupboard? For the most vibrant flavor, you should use fresh spices. It might be time to hit the grocery store and pick up some new and fresh cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
HOMEMADE TWINKIES
This is from Jennifer Steinhauer in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. The recipe begins, "Dispirited by the possible demise in 2012 of Hostess, the company that makes Twinkies, Ho Hos, and Hostess cupcakes, Jennifer Steinhauer began to wonder if she could make Hostess snack cakes, as well as other much-loved junk food from the past, in her own kitchen. She started with this classic, the Twinkie, by buying a canoe pan, which conveniently came with a cream injector. This recipe is a traditional sponge cake-style recipe, with whipped egg whites and sugar forming the base, then filled by cream injector with seven-minute frosting. Neighbors were delighted when she shared the results, but it was short lived. By the next day, the cake had absorbed the cream -- so make sure to eat them fast."
Yield: 12 homemade Twinkies; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
This was featured in "It’s Not Junk if I Made It", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12328-homemade-twinkies..
Ingredients
For the Cakes:
Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil
1/2 cup cake flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs at room temperature, separated
12 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
For the Filling:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup Marshmallow Fluff
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
For the cakes: Heat the oven to 350 degrees and adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position.
To make single-use Twinkie molds, cut 12 pieces of aluminum foil 12 inches wide by 14 inches long. Fold each piece of foil in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again to create a rectangle that’s about 6 inches long and 7 inches wide. Repeat to make a dozen rectangles.
Place one sheet of folded foil on a work surface with a standard-size spice jar on its side in the center of the foil. Bring the long sides of the foil up around the jar, folding the sides and ends as necessary to make a tight trough-shape from which the jar can be removed. Repeat to make 12 foil molds. Spray generously with nonstick spray or coat with vegetable oil. Place the molds on a baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Cover to keep warm.
Using a standing mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until foamy. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of the sugar and the cream of tartar and continue to beat until the whites reach soft peaks.
Transfer the beaten egg whites to a large bowl and add the egg yolks to the standing mixer bowl (there’s no need to clean the bowl). Beat the egg yolks with the remaining 6 tablespoons sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is very thick and a pale lemon color, about 5 minutes. Add the beaten egg whites to the yolks, but do not mix.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over the egg whites and then mix everything on low speed for just 10 seconds. Remove the bowl from the mixer, make a well in one side of the batter, and pour the melted butter mixture into the bowl. Fold gently with a large rubber spatula until the batter shows no trace of flour and the whites and yolks are evenly mixed, about 8 strokes.
Immediately scrape the batter into the prepared molds, filling each with about .75 inch of batter. Bake until the cake tops are light brown and feel firm and spring back when touched, 13 to 15 minutes. Transfer the pan containing the molds to a wire rack and allow the cakes to cool in the molds.
For the filling: Using a mixer, beat together the butter, confectioners’ sugar and Marshmallow Fluff. Add the cream and beat just until smooth.
Just before filling the cakes, remove them from the foil. Using the end of a chopstick, poke three holes in the bottom of each cake. Wiggle the tip of the chopstick to make room for the filling. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip. Pipe frosting into the holes in each cake, taking care not to overfill, until it gently expands. Unlike real Twinkies, these won’t last indefinitely. They’re best served still slightly warm.
Tip
Adapted from leitesculinaria.com
ICE CREAM IN A BAG
This is from Lena Abraham, Senior Food Editor at Delish. Lena wrote, "You don't need a fancy ice cream maker to make ice cream at home. All you need is a plastic baggie and 15 minutes. Top with any of your favorite topping and enjoy homemade ice cream instantly! If we had known making your own ice cream was this easy we would have started making it a long time ago!
"To customize you can change up the extract or add in a little chocolate syrup before you start shaking. We also love folding in chopped Oreos or Reeses after. If you want your ice cream a little firmer, place it in an airtight container in the freezer before serving."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yields: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54721/ice-cream-in-a-bag-recipe/.
Ingredients
1 c. half-and-half
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 c. ice
1/3 c. kosher salt
Toppings of your choice
Directions
In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.
Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.
Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.
SWEET CHERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
This is from Jerrelle Guy in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Jerrelle wrote, "There’s a little black pepper in this cake, which provides just enough heat to enhance the sweetness of the cherries. If you’re worried about the pepper, cut back on the amount called for, but if you’re excited about it, you may want to double it. This is a sweet, rustic and rich upside-down cake that’s sturdy enough to hold up to its juicy fruit topping. Once the finished cake gets inverted onto a platter, the extra cherry juice soaks back into the cake as it cools, which means it gets better as it sits. Serve the cake with lemon whipped cream made by beating cold heavy cream with the leftover lemon juice and some sugar until stiff. It’s helpful for covering up any imperfections in the cake, too!"
Time: 45 minutes; plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021265-sweet-cherry-upside-down-cake.
Note: Under "cooking notes" (below the recipe), someone wrote, "Easy and delicious. Served with vanilla ice cream instead of the leamon whipped cream..." Either way, we're talking very yummy.
Ingredients
Yields One 9-inch cake
For the Cake:
1 pound sweet cherries, halved and pitted (about 2-1/2 cups)
1/4 packed cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black or white pepper, plus more if you like
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled to room temperature
2 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Whipped Cream (optional):
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375 degrees. In a 9-inch cake pan (or cast-iron skillet), add the cherries, brown sugar, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, the pepper, and 2 tablespoons melted butter; toss gently to combine. Place in the oven for up to 10 minutes to begin softening the cherries while you make the cake batter.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla and baking soda with the remaining 6 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Sprinkle the flour over top then fold it in until evenly combined and a thick batter is formed.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or in a medium mixing bowl with a handheld electric beater, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes or until stiff. Add 1/3 of the beaten egg whites to the cake batter and gently fold, then add the remaining egg whites and fold until fully incorporated, trying to keep as much air as possible in the whites.
Remove the hot pan from the oven, shake it gently to toss the fruit a final time, then dollop the cake batter over the top, and gently spread it evenly to the edges. (It’s OK if some fruit juice or cherries pool over the edges of the batter.)
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven, run a butter knife around the edges, and then allow it to rest for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting it onto a lipped platter to catch any juices.
Once the cake has cooled, make the lemon whipped cream, if desired: In the cleaned bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or in a medium mixing bowl using a handheld beater, add the heavy cream, lemon juice and granulated sugar, and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds to thicken and combine, then turn the speed to high and beat until desired stiffness.
Serve the cake at room temperature, with lemon whipped cream, if using.
GINGER MOLASSES COOKIES
This yummy recipe is from Jessie Sheehan at The Spruce Eats. Jessie wrote, "Our chewy ginger molasses cookies are a true holiday cookie dream. Take a bite of chewy centers, crispy edges, and the best fall spices like ginger, cinnamon, and a dash of white pepper for a little kick. Tossed in granulated sugar before baking, the resulting cookie is a sparkly treat with a wonderful bite. These cookies travel well when packaged carefully and are a perfect addition to any dessert table after the Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. They also make a great everyday dessert when served on their own or with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
"Making the cookies does not require a stand or hand mixer and they freeze beautifully, either pre- or post-bake, making them a fabulous choice if you like to plan and make ahead."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 12 minutes; Chilling the Dough: 80 minutes; Total Time: 117 minutes; Servings: 18 servings; Yield: 36 cookies
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/ginger-molasses-cookies-5086423.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon white pepper, optional
6 ounces (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup molasses
Granulated sugar, for rolling
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and white pepper, if using.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and yolk one at a time, whisking after each addition.
Add the vanilla and molasses and whisk until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a flexible spatula to combine. Place the dough in the refrigerator until it has a scoopable texture, or about 20 to 30 minutes.
Scoop the dough into 1-1/2 tablespoon balls using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoons.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place on the prepared cookie sheets, about 12 balls per sheet. Place the sheets in the freezer to firm up for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will prevent the cookies from spreading when baked.
Roll the cookie balls in granulated sugar again for extra sparkle. Bake for about 12 minutes until the tops are cracked and the cookies are slightly puffy. Once removed from the oven, flatten each cookie lightly with a spatula. Serve warm or cold.
For Great Results
Follow our expert advice to make unforgettable ginger cookies:
Bake for 12 minutes for a chewier cookie. For a crispier cookie, bake for 14 minutes.
Refrigerate the dough overnight and up to 72 hours for extra-chewy cookies.
Re-sugar the baked cookies by dipping each side in a shallow bowl of granulated sugar while still warm for even more sparkle.
Keep in an airtight container on the counter for three days or freeze in a resealable plastic bag for up to a month.
Other Flavors and Additions
For a different flavor profile, here are some of our favorite variations:
Add cayenne pepper instead of white pepper for a different kind of heat.
Add 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks for a delicious ginger chocolate cookie.
Add 3/4 cup macadamia nuts, almonds, or cashews for a nutty flavor and extra texture. If needed, use sunflower seeds for a cookie that's free of tree nuts.
Use turbinado sugar, rather than granulated, for even more sparkle and crunch.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, rather than just granulated, for an even spicier finish.
Scoop the cookies with a 1/4-cup ice cream scoop, rather than one sized at 1-1/2 tablespoons, and make jumbo ginger molasses cookies.
EASY VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER-MAPLE ICE CREAM
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, "With a flavor like the inside of a peanut butter cup and a plush, velvety texture, this four-ingredient ice cream is one of the easiest, most satisfying dairy-free recipes of its kind. The key is to use unsweetened oat creamer as the base. Not only does it have a neutral flavor and thick texture, but its starches also help keep iciness at bay. Simmering the maple syrup to eliminate excess water is another trick to enhance creaminess, and the concentrated maple flavor is delightful. A topping of chocolate shavings or sprinkles is optional, but really drives home the peanut butter cup comparison."
Yield: About 3-1/2 cups; Time: 20 minutes, plus 4 hours' freezing
This was featured in "Four-Ingredient Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Without a Machine", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023276-easy-vegan-peanut-butter-maple-ice-cream.
While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's wondeful guide, "How to Make Ice Cream". It's well worth your time.
Ingredients
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 cups unsweetened oat creamer
1 cup smooth creamy peanut butter (preferably not natural peanut butter, which can be gritty; see Tip)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, simmer maple syrup, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by a third, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let syrup cool completely, stirring it occasionally as it cools. You should have about 1/2 cup.
Place syrup, creamer, peanut butter, vanilla and salt in a blender or food processor (or use an immersion blender), and blend until smooth, 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Pour ice cream into a loaf pan.
Cover and place in the freezer to harden overnight or for at least 4 to 6 hours. Remove pan from the freezer at least 10 minutes before scooping and serving, topped with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if you like.
Tip
You can substitute other nut butters (almond, cashew, hazelnut) for the peanut butter. Just make sure to choose ones without added sugar or it may end up too sweet.
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