Chestnut Sticky Buns

Chestnut Sticky Buns, Barrett? Why are you messing with perfection? It’s a reasonable question, I agree. I have a reasonable answer though. I really love a good sticky bun, I mean, really, who doesn’t? Despite that, I seldom order them out, because, so often they’re disappointing. And once you know how much butter and sugar […]

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Blackberry Sage Refrigerator Jam

I love preserving, but when it comes to jam, I tend to make refrigerator jam for a variety of reasons. This week, my Blackberry Sage Refrigerator Jam was made with a very specific recipe in mind. Having a specific recipe in mind is a huge part of why I make refrigerator jam instead of true […]

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Pantry Tips: Buttermilk in a Pinch

What do you do when you really want Flaky, Buttery, Food Processor Buttermilk Biscuits, but you’re out of buttermilk? Dirty Laundry Kitchen Pantry Tips: Substitution Edition: Buttermilk in a Pinch to the rescue. Correct me if I’m wrong, but buttermilk is one of those weird ingredients that is never around when you need it. I […]

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Smoky, Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

When I know I’m going to serve my guests something like the Seriously Good Extra Crispy Fried Chicken I’m about to unleash on my Updated Southern Supper Menu, I do more than start them off with a really light appetizer like my Spicy Mint and Dill Quick Pickled Beans and Carrots. I also make a […]

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Mold-Free Coeur à la Crème

Just the way you want Coeur à la Crème, right? Without the mold? Not that there’s anything wrong with mold, in the right contexts, but in this case? My mom makes Coeur à la Crème frequently. Probably because it’s great for a last minute, but special dessert, if you use her “serve it fresh” variation. […]

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Tamale Assembly

It’s finally time for Tamale Assembly. You did all the prep. You bought all the ingredients. It’s time to make the margaritas, await your guests, and learn how to build those tamales. At the bottom of the tutorial, there’s a plan of attack that gives you a timeline of how to pull off the party, […]

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Guacamole

For a tamale party, you’re going to need lots of snacks and drinks, so Guacamole is a must. It’s a serious crowd pleaser and you get to eat avocados. My favorite. Make sure you read to the bottom of my Guacamole recipe, the real prize to this recipe is the “notes” at the bottom: what […]

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Poached Eggs

I hear all the time how daunting poached Eggs are, and how they’re only something to make for one person or two, because they take too long to make, but I have news for you. Poached eggs are a snap for a group because they’re actually a great make ahead item. As for daunting technique, […]

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Hollandaise Sauce

Ah Hollandaise Sauce, so simple, yet so tricky. Why do you tempt us so with your lemon butter goodness and very few ingredients only to break and curdle and overcook? Don’t worry, I have a few tips that make making Hollandaise Sauce go smoothly (pun intended) that I’ve learned along the way. “The way” meaning […]

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Pastry Dough for a Two-crust 9-inch Pie

I’ve been making this Pastry Dough for a Two-crust 9-inch Pie (from Fannie Farmer) FOREVER. There are lots of great pastry doughs out there, and you should definitely know a few, but if you’re only going to learn one, it should probably be this Pastry Dough for a Two-crust 9-inch Pie. It’s great for pies, quiche, […]

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Pâte Sablée (Sweet Tart Dough)

Pâte Sablée (Sweet Tart Dough) is another repertoire recipe that’s a good one to know. It’s different from regular Pastry Dough due to the higher amount of sugar in the dough, as well as the egg. It’s a more forgiving dough to work with, because of the binding properties in egg, which is a nice […]

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Brioche

Making bread is always an adventure. And this recipe has tripped me up in the past. It’s a good reminder to read all recipes carefully well in advance of cooking them. First of all, I didn’t bother to read the recipe more than a day ahead. This is a major error when baking. Some recipes […]

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