Yin Yang Cookies

Name: Yin Yang Cookies
Yield: makes 25 to 30 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 cups (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or Cognac; 1/3 cup sour cream; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons water; 1 pound Dark Chocolate Plastique (page 134)

December 9, 2011

These playful black-and-white cookies have the simple appeal of chocolate and vanilla as well as the universally appealing symbol of Buddhist duality, yin and yang. By giving these cookies as a gift, you get the return gift of delighting the recipient. For the shortening, look for an all-natural transfat-free brand, available in many health food stores. Use Dark Chocolate Plastique (page 134) to make the chocolate side of the yin yang decoration.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.