Desserts

When Haagen Dazs introduced its dulce de leche ice cream several years ago, the company hoped it would sell well to American Latinos, but I don’t think it had any idea that everyone would quickly end up loving it. Hey, what’s not to love! Long popular throughout South America, where it is known by many names, dulce de leche… is condensed milk, heated in the can and caramelized, which gives it a toasty flavor. Rafael Palomino, in his cookbook, Bistro more »

This is a variation of the 10-minute Basic Yellow Cake that you’ll also find in the Easy Desserts chapter of Sara’s Secrets for Weeknight Meals…. It takes a little longer because you have to slice and arrange the fruit, but it is really worth it. You could use all nectarines, all plums, or throw peaches into the mix. When fresh stone fruit are in season there’s no better time to try this easy summer dessert. Makes 9 servings Hands-on more »

Here is everything you want in one candy–chocolate, caramel, and nuts–and these truffles couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Make a big batch, box them attractively, and you have the perfect holiday gift. Makes about 40 truffles Ingredients 1 cup sugar 2/3 cup heavy cream 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1/4 teaspoon table salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts for coating Place the sugar in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high… more »

When I was a kid, one of my all time favorite desserts was coffee ice cream and hot butterscotch sauce. I’m not sure if I loved it for he slightly bitter coffee taste counterbalanced by the sweet buttery sauce or for the canned whipped cream and Day-Glo red cherries on the top. I flatter myself that my tastes have matured as I’ve grown up, but sometimes I’m not so sure. Although I have indeed kissed off canned whipped cream and… more »

One of our favorite neighborhood restaurants is La Taza de Oro, a great little Puerto Rican spot on Eighth Avenue in Chelsea. The menu always features five or six entrees, accompanied by your choice of yellow or white rice and several different kinds of beans. (When Ruthie was three and four years old, she was such a nut for La Taza’s black beans that the counter guy there dubbed her Black ‘Bean and set her up with a little dish… more »