A Cup of Sugar … A Pinch of Salt

Ingredients 2 cloves garlic 1 jalapeño, chopped and seeds removed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed 1 tablespoon water, or as needed (optional) salt and pepper to taste Directions Place the garlic cloves, jalapeño pepper, olive oil, hot sauce, and [...]

(this can also be made with peaches, but I am an anti-fuzz kind of person, so prefer nectarines) Ingredients 1 cup of water 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 3 ripe nectarines, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks 2 1/2 cups chardonnay 1/2 cup triple sec 1 bottle sparkling wine (prosecco, cava or sekt) For garnish, [...]

Ingredients for the crust 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/3 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, diced 6 tablespoons (or more) ice water for the filling 1 pound fresh red currants 3 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar [...]

Ingredients 5 cups fresh, ripe blueberries (4 pints or so) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 5 cups sugar 2 packages liquid fruit pectin (they come 2 per box) 3 teaspoons vodka Directions Using a food mill, crush about half of the blueberries, keeping the remaining intact into a 6-8 quart sauce pot. Add lemon juice. Add [...]

Ingredients For the brownies 1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso (optional) 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups [...]