Mad About Maida

Chocolate Scotch Shortbread Cookies (Source: Maida Heatter's Book of Great Chocolate Desserts (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 2006 ed.), pg. 128. Every shortbread recipe from Maida that I've tried have been hits. I don't believe there are many left and I was surprised that I had not made the chocolate version. They are very good and not difficult to make. You can make these with a food processor or the mixer. I used the food processor.  The baking time is listed as 25-30 minutes which I suspect may be too long. I started checking at 15 minutes and took them out at 20. They are supposed to be done when "firm to the touch". Since the cookies are very thin, this was perplexing but I've learned that under baking is always better than over baking. They turned out perfect. 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process) 1 cup confectioners sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) sweet butter (cold) 1 tsp. vanilla extrac...

Coffee Buttercrunch Pie Source:  Maida Heatter's Book of Great Desserts (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 1999 ed.) , pg. 355 . (Note: This recipe uses uncooked eggs in the filling)   This is one of the most popular recipes on the blog and since I didn't make the crust exactly as Maida instructed the first go-around, I thought it was time I gave this a re-vamp. The recipe originated from Blum's in San Francisco where it was called "Coffee-Toffee Pie".    This time I did make the crust with a pie crust mix and it is incredibly delicious. So much better than a pre-bought crust or the graham-cracker method I used the first time.    Since she did not give a measurement for the pie crust mix (she just says "1/2 package), I wasn't exactly sure what size package she was referring to and there are many different brands and sizes. I used one of the smaller packages which amounts to approximately 5-6 ounces. I do think more is needed, especially if you...