#cookie-butter

#cookie-butter

In the latest issue of Bon Appétit magazine, we're traveling far and wide. To Mexico City in search of the best gorditas, to Hong Kong to explore cha chaan tengs, and to a truck stop in Wyoming that's turning out first-rate blistered naan, biryani, and more.

Chobani's sweet-cream coffee creamer was my favorite, and I also enjoyed the ones from Trader Joe's and Too Good & Co. Horizon's creamer was tasty but a bit too pricey.

Breakfast burritos, bowls, and wraps are becoming popular as they are portable and easy to prepare, featuring ingredients loaded with in-demand nutrients like eggs and meat.

"THE BEST pierogi me and my fiancé have tried ever in NY. Me and him are both Ukrainian and have lived in Poland, and out of all the places we have tried, these taste exactly like homemade traditional Polish pierogis."

Contrast is at the center of many popular culinary trends. There's also a strong emphasis on contrasting textures within a single baked good. For example, soft milk breads and laminated doughs that have been hard-baked create exciting combinations.

Modern Bread and Bagel is a gluten-free shop that started in New York City and has expanded to Los Angeles with three locations. It was created by Orly Gottesman, who wanted her husband, with celiac disease, to enjoy high-quality gluten-free baked goods. The pastries are exceptional, with a large selection available daily, including unique items like crumb cake and chocolate zucchini bread.

"We eat in the bar and have a glass of wine and a truffle pizza. We love that."

Whole Foods' vegan vanilla cupcakes are praised for their fluffy and moist texture, making them a top choice for those seeking plant-based options. Customers enjoy the well-balanced frosting made with vegan cream cheese, which complements the cupcake perfectly.

Teddy's Tallow Chips began as a solution for Teddy's food allergies, with his mother Katherine cooking potatoes in beef tallow to create a safe snack.

L'Appartement 4F's croissants, regardless of size, are rolled by hand and are known to contain more butter than a classic croissant recipe, resulting in a richer flavor.

Let's talk about holiday baking that goes beyond cookies! These are the festive winter bakes to try. The list includes an ultra fragrant gingerbread cake, a bright citrus loaf, and the perfect flourless chocolate cake. Few people love baking holiday cookies more than me, but a good amount of my favorite December baking happens outside the cookie platter. Think fragrant spice cakes, all things citrus, buttery, and bright - or deep, melty chocolate on the frostiest nights.

These candied nuts have become one of the cornerstones. You can make them with whatever nuts you have on hand, they keep beautifully for over a week, and they're an easy win as part of a larger snack-y spread. They also bridge the sweet-savory gap wonderfully and I've been serving them with a range of spreads, flatbread, and other bite-sized sweet treats.

At the risk of editorializing, few things in life are better than peanut butter and the rich, comforting, gooey pleasure it brings, which needs so little in order to be enjoyed - two slices of bread will do, or if you're feeling particularly indulgent and lazy, sometimes just a spoon. This uncomplicated charm is well demonstrated by the fact that perhaps the best peanut butter cookies you will ever taste require only three ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your kitchen.