Decadent Marathon French Toast

Decadent Marathon French Toast

Fluffy challah French toast with warm maple syrup and fresh strawberries—weekend perfection!
Couverts4
Preparation time:30 minutes
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Equipment

  • Baking sheet with a wire rack
  • large nonstick skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
  • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Soak 2 to 3 slices of challah in the egg mixture for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the soaked challah slices and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  • Transfer the cooked slices to the prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
  • Repeat the soaking and cooking process for the remaining bread slices.
  • Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, sliced strawberries, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Notes & Wine Advice

Wine Advice
Pair with a sparkling rosé or a mimosa for the ultimate brunch experience.

Nutrition values

Calories: 420 kcal | koolhydraten: 48 g | Eiwitten: 12 g | Vet: 18 g | Suiker: 12 g
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Course; Breakfast / Brunch / Treats
Cuisine; French
Diets; Flexitarian

Artisan Granola Bliss

Artisan Granola Bliss

Homemade granola with oats, nuts, and dried fruit for a wholesome, crunchy treat.
Couverts10
Preparation time:40 minutes
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Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large bowl
  • medium saucepan

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine oats, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, coconut flakes, wheat germ, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil and maple syrup until it simmers.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until light and foamy, then pour over the granola mixture and toss again.
  • Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer, pressing it down lightly.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  • Break into clusters and store in an airtight container.

Notes & Wine Advice

Once it’s cool, break up the granola, leaving some large clusters. Add the apricots. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Wine Advice
Pair with a sparkling Prosecco or an almond milk latte for a delightful morning treat.

Nutrition values

Calories: 210 kcal | koolhydraten: 18 g | Eiwitten: 4 g | Vet: 12 g | Suiker: 6 g
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Course; Breakfast / Snack
Cuisine; American
Diets; Vegetarian

Berry Bliss Greek Yogurt Parfait

Berry Bliss Greek Yogurt Parfait

Layers of creamy yogurt, berry compote, and crunchy granola—delicious simplicity!
Couverts1
Preparation time:15 minutes
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Equipment

  • Mason jar
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients

For the Maqui Berry Compote

For the Parfait

Instructions

Make the Maqui Berry Compote

  • In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the berries begin to break down.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the maqui powder.
  • Let it cool completely.
  • Assemble the Parfait
  • In a mason jar, layer 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup maqui berry compote, and 1/2 cup granola.
  • Repeat the layers to create a second layer of each ingredient.
  • Drizzle with honey and serve immediately.

Notes & Wine Advice

Additional maqui berry compote can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If making ahead, wait to add the granola until ready to serve. Refrigerating the granola can cause it to lose its crunch.
Wine Advice
Pair with a light Moscato or a freshly brewed herbal tea for a refreshing accompaniment.

Nutrition values

Calories: 320 kcal | koolhydraten: 42 g | Eiwitten: 10 g | Vet: 10 g | Suiker: 25 g
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Course; Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
Cuisine; Greece
Diets; Vegetarian

I Can Açai Clearly Now Bowl

I Can Açai Clearly Now Bowl

My favorite berry will always be one that can be turned into wine. Despite this glaring shortcoming, açai is slowly inching its way to the top with a frozen ice cream–esque preparation and assortment of healthy and customizable toppings. Plus, it has a pretty purple hue, which gives me yet another excuse to wave my gay flag loud and proud so that the homophobes in the back can see and taste it. The fact that it’s served in a bowl is the cherry on top, as we basics have come to appreciate. Don’t let this stop you from adding an actual cherry, though, which can convince you, if only for a second, that it’s an ice cream sundae and not something that’s surprisingly healthy for you.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place two serving bowls in the freezer to chill.
  • In a blender, combine the açai puree, vanilla coconut milk, strawberries, dates, banana, flaxseed, and maca powder.
  • Process until smooth.
  • Pour into the chilled bowls and garnish with cocoa nibs, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and almonds.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes & Wine Advice

BASIC BASICS
Açai berries are a Brazilian superfruit native to the Amazon. They taste like a cross between blackberries and unsweetened chocolate. Whole berries are hard to find, but you can buy frozen açai puree, açai powder, and açai juice.
THE MORE YOU GLOW
Açai berries are loaded with antioxidants, with three times the antioxidants than blueberries.
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Cha-Cha-Cha Chia Pudding

Cha-Cha-Cha Chia Pudding

Chia seeds remind me of the Orbitz drinks we coveted in the 1990s. We enjoyed them because they resembled lava lamps, not because they tasted good. Like the unidentifiable gelatinous globules that now exist only in our dreams, chia seeds are flavorless and only as good as the ingredients that surround them. When soaked overnight in milk (or a milk alternative) and infused with a sweetener, they create a texture play that is totally tubular, with toppings such as coconut and kiwi that also lend themselves to even more taste and texture complexities. If only my hair would grow as fast as an actual chia plant, then this would truly be the miracle food we’ve all been waiting for.
Couverts4
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla coconut milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
  • Whisk in the chia seeds, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
  • Spoon the chia pudding into four small glasses for serving.
  • Top with kiwi slices, pomegranate seeds, and coconut.
  • Serve.

Notes & Wine Advice

LITERALLY CAN’T EVEN
If you like a sweeter breakfast, add an additional tablespoon of maple syrup. The coconut yogurt adds an extra layer of creaminess to this chia pudding, but remove it if you’re not a fan.
THE MORE YOU GLOW
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and lots of fiber. This pudding will keep you full!
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Course; Dessert

Royal Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Royal Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Indulge in a decadent quiche with a flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory bacon.
Couverts6
Preparation time:2 hours
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Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Nonstick pan
  • Pie weights or dried beans
  • 9-inch deep-dish pie plate

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

For the Filling

Instructions

Make the Pie Crust

  • In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
  • Pulse to mix.
  • Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
  • Slowly drizzle in ice water while pulsing until the dough just comes together.
  • Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Roll out the dough into a 14-inch round on a floured surface.
  • Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate, trim excess dough, fold under the edges, and crimp.
  • Chill for 15 minutes.
  • Line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or beans, and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove parchment and weights, and bake for another 15 minutes until golden.
  • Let cool completely.

Make the Filling

  • Cook bacon in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat until golden, about 7 minutes.
  • Add shallots and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  • Drain excess fat.
  • Return pan to heat, add spinach, and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  • Cool the mixture.
  • Spread Gruyère over the cooled pie crust.
  • Add the cooled bacon mixture on top.
  • In a bowl, whisk together half-and-half, cottage cheese, eggs, and yolks.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour egg mixture into the pie crust and sprinkle with cayenne pepper.
  • Bake at 375°F for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until edges are set but the center jiggles.
  • Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

JUST THE TIPS
Quiche is the perfect make-ahead dish. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
THE MORE YOU GLOW
The cottage cheese adds 25 grams of protein to the quiche!
Wine Advice
Pair this quiche with a dry Riesling or a light sparkling wine for an elegant meal.

Nutrition values

Calories: 380 kcal | koolhydraten: 22 g | Eiwitten: 18 g | Vet: 25 g | Suiker: 2 g
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Course; Breakfast / Brunch / Quiche
Cuisine; French
Diets; Flexitarian

Holy Crepes

Holy Crepes

One of my lowest of all lows as a food editor was being assigned the story “Where do hot dogs come from?” This led me to question the value of my Northwestern education, as well as my entire existence. Most unfortunately, it also led to an entire weekend of contemplating a career change, from which I distracted myself with nonstop cooking sessions. For this particular mental breakdown, my brain was sponsored by crepes—the French delicacy that you can stuff with literally anything you find in your apartment. The real winners, for me, were ingredients such as Nutella (duh) and pancetta (double duh), which are obvious basic bitch standouts. But feel free to experiment and layer your thin pancakes with anything that will prevent irrational decision-making or an unscheduled trip to the psychiatrist.
Couverts4
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Ingredients

FOR THE CREPES

FOR THE SWEET VERSION

FOR THE SAVORY VERSION

Instructions

  • First make the crepes: In a blender, combine the flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and butter and blend until smooth, 1 minute.
  • Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • Heat a small nonstick pan over medium heat.
  • Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the bottom and sides of the pan with butter.
  • Give the batter a quick stir, then, using a ¼-cup ladle, pour 1 ladleful of the crepe batter into the pan, swirling the pan to make a thin, even layer.
  • Cook until the crepe is set and lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Using a small offset spatula, lift up the edge of the crepe and use your fingers to flip the crepe over, then cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
  • You should have about 12 crepes.
  • To make the sweet version, place a crepe on a clean work surface.
  • Spread 2 tablespoons of the chocolate-hazelnut spread over the crepe.
  • Top with 2 tablespoons of the sliced strawberries and fold the other half of the crepe over the toppings, then fold the crepe in half again, creating a triangle.
  • Repeat with the remaining crepes.
  • Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
  • To make the savory version, in a small nonstick skillet, cook the pancetta until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
  • Place a crepe on a clean work surface.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of the apricot jam over the crepe.
  • Top half of the crepe with a few slices of the Brie.
  • Top the Brie with apple slices, pancetta, arugula, and chives.
  • Fold the other half of the crepe over the toppings and then fold the crepe in half again creating a triangle.
  • Repeat with the remaining crepes.
  • Serve warm, garnished with chives.

Notes & Wine Advice

Crepes can be stored, stacked between layers of wax paper in a zip-top bag, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
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Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Eat Sugar Cookies

Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Eat Sugar Cookies

Parsley aside, I can go through the holidays without eating a single vegetable. Instead, my diet consists mostly of sugar cookies, sometimes in the shapes of vegetables like Christmas trees (a reach, I know) and holly (an even bigger reach), but definitely nothing green. Except green frosting. Okay, so maybe I’ve actually found a way to say I eat my greens and vegetables during the holidays? Now that you’ve got a feel for how my brain operates, you can a) pity what my parents went through during dinnertime when I was a child; and b) justify your excessive sugar cookie consumption with this tried-and-true brown-butter recipe that is scrumptious year-round. Just be ready to embrace your inevitable spot on the naughty list, which, honestly, is the more fun place to be.
Couverts40
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  • Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, swirling the pan, until golden brown in color, about 10 minutes.
  • The butter should smell nutty.
  • Pour the brown butter into a bowl to stop the cooking process.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar.
  • Add the egg and vanilla and beat well.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the cookie dough out into a ¼-inch-thick round.
  • Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut the cookies out and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, make the royal icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth.
  • Add the corn syrup and whisk until the icing is smooth and glossy.
  • Divide the icing into bowls and add as many food colorings as you’d like.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • Dip the cooled cookies in the royal icing, spread it on with a small offset spatula or knife, or pipe it onto the cookies.
  • Feel free to use a toothpick to draw designs.
  • Top with sprinkles, glitter, or sanding sugar, if desired.
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Supz Sour Watermelon Gummy Bears

Supz Sour Watermelon Gummy Bears

So my new thing is bingeing on candy at three p.m., which leads to my not new thing of complaining about how fat I feel. My candy of choice? Sour varieties, of course. I love anything that makes my eyes water and mouth pucker, which sounds like a personal problem but is something I’ve enjoyed since fifth grade, when I literally sold Warheads to less intelligent classmates. (Black cherry would go for $2 a pop!) Scam artist? Nah. Visionary entrepreneur? Heck, yes. My business was so lucrative that they ultimately banned Warheads from our playground. And while I haven’t perfected a Warheads imitation, these sour gummy bears are equal parts satisfying and darling, making them a basic bitch snack-time staple that I’d absolutely sell for $2 a bear ($4 if they’re made with vodka).
Couverts76 GUMMY BEARS
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put the water in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the watermelon juice and ⅓ cup of the sugar.
  • Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Add the gelatin mixture and whisk until dissolved.
  • Add a few drops of red food coloring, if using, and whisk to combine.
  • Remove from the heat and pour into two 1-inch gummy bear molds.
  • Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.
  • Unmold the gummy bears onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Let the bears sit at room temperature, uncovered, for 24 hours to dry.
  • They will shrink slightly and become chewy.
  • In a large bowl, combine the remaining ¾ cup sugar and the citric acid.
  • Add the gummy bears and toss to coat.
  • Enjoy.

Notes & Wine Advice

LITERALLY CAN’T EVEN
Not a fan of watermelon? You can substitute any flavor juice you’d like.
Booze it up by soaking these overnight in rum (Rummy Bears) or vodka as an adult treat. They won’t taste as good, but they’ll get you tipsy.
JUST THE TIPS
You will need to purchase gummy bear molds for this recipe. Use the 1-inch mold that comes with 38 gummy bear slots.
After coating the bears, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container to keep them from becoming slimy.
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Course; Candy

Hallucinatory Hot Fudge and Salted Caramel Sundae

Hallucinatory Hot Fudge and Salted Caramel Sundae

Overly optimistic people really freak me out, but finding myself in the mere presence of salted caramel can have me believing that the earth is flat and global warming is a hoax invented by the Chinese. Mix that with hot fudge and dump it on ice cream, and you’ll have me believing that I should change my career to motivational speaker—a far departure from my typical request for a giant meteor to hit planet Earth. Moral of the story: Salted caramel has the power to make you believe there is literally nothing wrong in the world. If only it didn’t have the calories.
Couverts4
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Ingredients

FOR THE SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

FOR THE HOT FUDGE SAUCE

FOR THE SUNDAES

Instructions

  • First make the salted caramel sauce: In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  • Do not stir, but instead swirl the pan.
  • Increase the heat and bring the sugar syrup to a boil, continuing to swirl the pan.
  • Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan.
  • Boil until deep amber in color, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream.
  • The mixture will bubble vigorously.
  • Stir in the butter cubes and salt.
  • Allow the caramel sauce to cool, then pour into a mason jar.
  • Next make the hot fudge sauce: Set a medium heatproof bowl over a medium saucepan filled with a couple of inches of water.
  • Heat until the water is simmering.
  • In the bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate, cream, corn syrup, sugar, coffee, vanilla, and salt.
  • Heat, stirring, until the chocolate melts and the sauce comes together, 8 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool, then pour into a mason jar.
  • Make the sundaes: Divide the gelato evenly among four bowls.
  • Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce.
  • Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts.
  • Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
  • Enjoy!

Notes & Wine Advice

The salted caramel and hot fudge sauces will keep in their jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Course; Candy