ice cream sandwich cookies

the goods:

12 ounces bittersweet chocolates, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted, then let cool.



In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until lightened in color. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until combined. With mixer on low, alternately beat in chocolate and flour mixture; mix just until combined (do not overmix).



Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 14 to 16 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Fill 2 cookies with your favorite ice cream and enjoy!

jam cupcakes with chocolate frosting

the goods:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup raspberry jam
12 raspberries, for garnish



Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill a 12-cup muffin pan with liners. Combine flour, baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture in two parts, alternating with 1/2 cup milk.



Using an ice cream scoop, divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Meanwhile, whisk together confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. With mixer on low, gradually add cocoa mixture. Gradually beat in 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat frosting until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds.



Using a paring knife, cut a 1-inch-deep piece from the top of each cupcake.



Fill each hole with 1 teaspoon jam and replace cutout pieces.



Frost cupcakes and top with raspberries.

strawberry icebox pie

the goods:

10 graham crackers (2.5-by-5 inches)
1 cup sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
2 quarts strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (a few whole berries reserved for garnish)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream





Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, blend graham crackers with 2 tablespoons sugar until finely ground.



Add butter and pulse until crumbs are moistened.



Press mixture into the bottom and up the side of a 9-inch pie plate.



Bake until crust is lightly browned, 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.





Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, cranberry juice, 2 cups strawberries, cornstarch, and salt.



Using a potato masher, gently mash strawberries. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until very thick, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in remaining strawberries.



Pour into cooled pie crust. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours, or up to 1 day.



In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until soft peaks return. Spread whipped cream over pit, leaving a 1-inch border around edge.



Garnish with whole berries.