Mushy, brown bananas need not apply here. The fruit needs to be firm and just ripe to stand up to the grill’s heat. Leaving the skins on the split halves will help the bananas keep their shape. We’ll be honest: the sauce is sort of the best part.
pure vanilla extract
Red Truck Bakery’s Madeleines (for Jacques Pépin)
It was a gutsy move baking these for the best French chef around, but I learned to make them from chef Mark Ramsdell of L’ Academie de Cuisine. I was elated when Jacques pronounced them “terrific!” and his daughter (and TV costar), Claudine Pépin said they were the best she’s ever had.
Dorie Greenspan’s Triple-Layer Parsnip and Cranberry Cake
A layer cake is like a fanfare: It blares “Celebration!” Full of flavor, this cake is based on nuts, cranberries and grated parsnips, a vegetable that might not spring to mind immediately when you’re thinking cake.
Rose Levy Beranbaum’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
I brown the butter for these cookies to add flavor and remove the water. Adding golden syrup or corn syrup helps to keep them moist and chewy. Golden syrup adds a delicious butterscotch element.
Chocolate Beet Cake with Chocolate-Orange Glaze
Chocolate and beets are a natural pair. The earthiness of the beets contrasts with the richness and sweetness of chocolate. The milk chocolate frosting on this cake is laced with orange zest—orange tastes great with both chocolate and beets.
Candy Apples
This classic fair staple is fun to make at home, especially for a Halloween treat. Note that Rome apples will make the prettiest candy apples.
