Peach Shortcakes

"An apple is an excellent thing - until you have tried a peach."

This is one of my new favorite desserts.  The biscuits are close to perfection: dense and extremely moist, with just a touch of sweetness.  Peaches, both sliced and mashed, mingle perfectly with the light and airy whipped cream.  To break from the usual cake, cookie, pie routine, these shortcakes are fabulous.

2 pounds peaches
9 tablespoons sugar (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons orange juice
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 ounces)
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (14 ounces)
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon table salt
2/3 cup buttermilk, cold
1 extra large egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fried Chicken

 

Fried chicken is one of my all-time favorite foods.  This recipe is by far the best I've tried; the crunchy crust is packed with big taste and because of the marinade, the chicken meat is super tender and juicy.  Try to buy the smallest chicken pieces possible (the large ones have little flavor and take forever to cook).

3.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
3 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1.25 cups buttermilk
3 dashes hot sauce
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (10 ounces)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1.75 cups vegetable oil

Key Lime Meringue Pie

"A boy doesn't have to go to war to be a hero; he can say he doesn't like pie when he sees there isn't enough to go around."

This pie screams summertime.  The combination of textures - crunchiness of the crust, smoothness of the lime filling, and airy lightness of the meringue - makes it unique as well as delicious.  Plan to polish it off by the day after baking; the meringue becomes sticky and moist with time.

4 limes
4 extra large eggs
14 ounces sweetened, condensed milk
1.25 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract