Baker's Croissants

Baker's Croissants

Known in France as croissants de boulanger, this yeasted dough is layered with butter and given a succession of folds that create the distinctive profile of classic croissants. Light and airy and shatteringly crisp, with a deeply caramelized buttery flavor, these croissants are a labor of love that’s absolutely worth the time. Time Estimates Prep Time: 45 minutes (active working time) Bake Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 7 hours (including all resting periods) Yield: 4 pounds dough, enough for 24 croissants Ingredients Dough 2 large eggs plus enough warm water to make 2 cups (454g) of liquid 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided 5 1/2 to 6 cups (660g to 720g) all-purpose flour 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted 1/2 cup (56g) dry milk, optional 1 scant tablespoon (16g) table salt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional (for sweet pastry) Butter Block 30 tablespoons (425g) unsalted butter, cool to the touch 3/4 teaspoon table salt 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour Directions Make the Dough Put the eggs and water in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar, 3 cups (362g) of the flour, and the yeast. Mix until well blended; set aside to let the sponge work. Make the Butter Block Cut the butter into 1-inch chunks and combine with the salt and flour at low speed in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment just until smooth, with no lumps. Be careful not to beat too much; you don’t want to incorporate any air. ...

May 9, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Breaded Buffalo Wings

Breaded Buffalo Wings

Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these Breaded Buffalo Wings deliver that perfect spicy kick without the mess of traditional sauced wings. A staple at grocery store hot bars and game day spreads, this homemade version rivals anything you’d find at your favorite wing spot. Ingredients For the Wings 2 lbs chicken wings 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper (Dave’s preference is 2 tsp black pepper) ...

May 7, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Skillet Fried Chicken

Skillet Fried Chicken

This chicken has the crackling crisp skin and distinctive mahogany color that are the hallmarks of the dish. The buttermilk marinade is optional but highly recommended. Ingredients 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken parts Buttermilk Marinade (optional but recommended) 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/2 inch vegetable shortening, rendered lard, vegetable oil, or a combination Directions Separate any legs into thighs and drumsticks; cut breasts crosswise in half. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Basic Pan Gravy

Basic Pan Gravy

About 1 cup A roux-based gravy suitable for poultry, beef, pork, and milder lamb and venison. If desired, you may strain the drippings first and remove excess fat, then return some of the fat to the pan to make the roux. This method works best for smaller cuts cooked in a skillet such as steaks, chops, or chicken parts. If the meat has been cooked in a roasting pan, use a different approach for the easiest way to proceed. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Buttermilk Marinade

Buttermilk Marinade

About 2 cups A classic, tenderizing treatment for chicken pieces before they are dredged and fried. Marinate chicken for up to 24 hours in this marinade. Ingredients 2 cups buttermilk or 1 1/2 cups yogurt and 1/2 cup water 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp curry powder or chili powder (optional) 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Directions Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Add chicken pieces and marinate for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu

A classic French dish featuring chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection. Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) 1 tsp salt (for chicken) 1 tsp black pepper (for chicken) 4 thin slices ham or prosciutto 4 thin slices Gruyère or other Swiss cheese 1 cup dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup minced parsley 1 tsp salt (for coating) 1/2 tsp black pepper (for coating) 2 large eggs 1 tbsp water 1/4 cup flour 3 tbsp vegetable oil Directions Trim any fat around the edges of the chicken breasts. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala

A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. Ingredients Floured Chicken Cutlets 1 tbsp vegetable oil 3 ounces diced pancetta or bacon 1 small onion, chopped 8 ounces button mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 cup chicken stock or broth 2/3 cup dry Marsala 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional) 3 sprigs thyme 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tbsps finely chopped parsley Salt and black pepper to taste Several drops of lemon juice Directions Prepare Floured Chicken Cutlets and keep warm in a 200°F oven. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tikka

In Indian cooking, “tandoori” refers to food cooked in a tandoor, a fiercely hot charcoal-fired vertical oven. Meats cooked in a tandoor are usually marinated in an aromatic and bright orange-yellow mixture of yogurt and spices. An excellent tandoori-style chicken can be prepared in a covered grill using a very hot fire. Ingredients 1 recipe Tandoori Marinade I 3.5 lb. bone-in chicken parts Directions Remove the skin from the bone-in chicken parts. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Tandoori Marinade

Tandoori Marinade

In Indian cooking, chicken and lamb are marinated in this aromatic mixture of yogurt and spices before they are cooked in the extremely high heat of a tandoor. The marinade is often tinted with a natural dye, which gives tandoori chicken its characteristic orange-yellow color. I. For Meats About 1 cup; enough for 3 to 4 pounds of meat Our friend Kusuma Rao insists that coating the meat with salt, citrus, and spices first is crucial: It changes the texture of the meat, improves the color, and helps the spices adhere better. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak
Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Parmigiana

This Italian-American classic can be assembled early in the day, refrigerated, and baked when needed. Use 3 cups of your favorite store-bought tomato sauce if time is short. source: Joy of Cooking (2019), p. 415 Ingredients 4 Chicken Milanese cutlets 3 cups Tomato Sauce (homemade or store-bought) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or 6 ounces mozzarella, thinly sliced 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces) Chopped parsley for garnish Directions Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. ...

May 6, 2025 · Jillian Miserak