These dessert parfaits are so pretty – they look fancier than they have a right to be, considering how easy they are to make. They are also not too sweet and make the perfect finish to a casual summer dinner party. Start by beating cream cheese with honey and lemon until fluffy to add extra creaminess to the ricotta. Then add whole milk ricotta and beat to combine. Your work, if you want to call it that, is almost done....

For me, that something was the combination of fresh strawberries, sugar and balsamic vinegar. I’ve certainly heard rumblings about it, but the idea of adding any kind of vinegar to strawberries just didn’t seem right. How wonderful to be oh-so-wrong. Of course you do need to use balsamic vinegar, an aged, deeply flavored, somewhat sweet vinegar. An ordinary vinegar probably won’t taste that good; if that’s all you have use some grated lemon zest and a little lemon juice instead....

This cinnamon roll recipe combines the best of both worlds: the predictable convenience of fast-acting yeast with the deep nuanced flavors in sourdough. Sourdough starter contributes the inherent tang of fermentation, while commercial yeast allows the dough to rise quickly so your cinnamon rolls won’t be too sour, resulting in cinnamon rolls with a balanced flavor. Since you’ll be using commercial yeast, you can make this recipe all in one day and it comes together in less than 3 hours....

This squash takes so well to roasting – the sweet flesh hardly needs any adornment because it has so much flavor. The skin is also edible, so there’s no need to peel. After roasting, you can cut right through the skin with a fork! I also love that delicata squash cooks more quickly than hardier winter squashes like acorn and butternut squashes. This makes it easy to cook on a weeknight....

Luckily, it’s usually totally possible to swap something you already have on hand for the wine and the dish will turn out just as good. The tricky part is, when it comes to white wine, there is no one-to-one substitution. It’s a matter of looking at how much wine is called for and what it’s contributing to the recipe. A Little Acid Is Key Most of the time, the wine brings notes of acidity....

Saucepans can be made from a variety of materials, though they tend to have a similar shape: circular with taller sides, resembling a small pot with a long handle and lid. Some saucepans are made with a nonstick coating, while others are made of materials like ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel. Determining which is best for you depends on your preferred cooking methods. Because this kitchen basic is well-loved in most homes, you want to make sure you invest in the right one (or multiple if you make large or complex recipes)....

There are two different installations when it comes to oven ranges, freestanding and slide-in. Neither is better than the other. Freestanding is exactly what it sounds like, a unit that has finished sides and a backguard that houses controls as well as protecting the wall behind the range from splashes or accidents. They can be installed in between cabinets or stand on their own. Slide-in oven ranges have unfinished sides and are designed to be installed between cabinets or in a kitchen island space....

Key lime pie is one of those sweet indulgences that you probably shouldn’t eat on a daily basis. But on a hot summer day? Or for a special gathering? This key lime pie is just perfect! What Is Key Lime Pie? This all American pie is easy to make, too. Key lime pie ingredients are simple: sweetened condensed milk, lots of lime zest and juice (preferably from key limes), and just enough egg to give it a good set....

What’s the secret to restaurant-quality tortillas at home? A tortilla press. It’s a staple in Mexican kitchens that also belongs in yours. These machines instantly transform balls of masa or flour dough into perfectly round, pliable tortillas with the right thickness to hold any filling, from delicate tacos and sopes to hefty burritos and tostadas. Ready to upgrade your tacos? We recommend the Verve Culture Tortilla Press. To help make sense of the many options for tortilla presses, I’ve narrowed down the best tortilla presses with the best option for every budget, including wooden and electric presses....

Curious to know exactly what a Dutch oven is and why it’s such a staple in a well-kept kitchen? Here’s the guide that will explain it all! What is a Dutch Oven? A Dutch oven is a cooking pot that features a heavy bottom, thick walls, and a lid. It is most typically made from cast iron, which means it can be used on both the stovetop and in the oven, as well as withstand very high heat on either the stovetop or in the oven....

Each of these salts has different shapes and sizes. But you may be wondering: do these distinctions actually matter in baking? Why is kosher salt such a popular salt to use? Read on below to find out! Why is Salt Crucial for Baked Goods? Salt plays a significant role in baking. In addition to enhancing the flavor of the bake, it strengthens gluten and slows down fermentation when making bread....

To freeze egg whites, simply drop each into the individual wells of an ice cube tray, for easy portioning, or freeze a larger quantity in a freezer-safe airtight container. Just don’t forget to label the container with the quantity of whites. If frozen as cubes, pop them out into a zip-top freezer bag once solid. Egg whites can be frozen for up to a year and should be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight before using for meringue or French macarons....

So as we gathered dinner roll recipes for you and thought of ways to use store-bought crescent rolls (because sometimes it’s easier to lean on pre-made) in fun and delicious ways, we asked you what you make with them. Not surprisingly, you delivered so many brilliant ideas. Here are 12 responses that have me reaching for a can of crescent rolls. Inspiring Ways To Cook With Store-Bought Crescent Rolls “Take the rolls apart into individual pieces....

If you end up with an apple bounty we’ve compiled great tasting recipes to help you use them up. Crowd-pleasers like apple slab pie and apple crumble bars are great for hosting, while galettes and tortes are easy to assemble. If you’re not sure which apple is best for which dessert we have you covered there too. Just hop on over to our Fall Guide to the Best Baking Apples....

I was well into adulthood before I realized I was missing out on a magic little ingredient; today I consider myself a total convert. What Are Anchovies? In a nutshell, anchovies are small, oily fish with a strong, pungent, and briny flavor. They are quite delicious when eaten fresh. I particularly love them fried whole, head and all. They are uncommon at fish markets here in the U.S. Mostly, you’ll find them preserved in salt or oil, as well as smoked, dried, pickled, and ground into a paste sold in tubes....

Regardless of how pro- or anti-fat you may be, we can all agree that angel food cake is the perfect lightly sweet, pillowy, fine-crumbed cake to serve as a vehicle for whipped cream and berries. VIDEO: How to Make Angel Food Cake Do I Need an Angel Food Cake Pan? An angel food cake pan is a tall sided pan with a removable bottom and a tube in the center....

A few things make this loaf so special: the sweet streusel layer, the cinnamon and nutmeg-scented batter, and a drizzle of butter. The butter helps to form a crispy top, similar to a craggy edge of an apple fritter. And don’t forget the rich vanilla glaze. What’s the Best Apple for Baking? I almost always use Granny Smith apples for baking. I love the contrast between tart fruit and sweet batter....