We’re food folks, not number crunchers. But perhaps our most favorite equation ever? Chocolate + hazelnuts = gianduia.
Elie Nassar, Recipe Tester
A list of all the recipes Elie Nassar has tested.
Elie (pronounced E-lee) takes any and every possible free moment to cook. When he’s not roasting, baking, curing or smoking meat, he can be found reading and learning about food. He’s been an LC tester since 2003 and really enjoys the science-y and analytical side of testing (weight measures and thermometers rule!) He was born and raised in Lebanon, so Lebanese food is definitely his favorite. (He makes a killer hummus. Let him know if you want his simple yet perfect recipe.)
Elie moved to Texas for college in the mid-’90s and promptly developed a passion for real beef barbecue. He especially enjoys baking naturally leavened bread and pizza, making charcuterie, and slowly smoking brisket over mesquite.
Besides cooking, watching and writing about movies is another of his passions. He combines both on his blog, Oven-Dried Tomatoes, where he writes about cooking, cocktails, and posts his thoughts about movies. Elie lives near Houston, Texas, with his wife, son, and a Goldendoodle called Harry, plus he has another son in college. Elie works in the energy-consulting sector to pay the grocery bills. You can connect with Elie on Instagram as well (where 99% of the posts are about food and cooking.
Creamy Piña Colada with Crushed Pineapple
This piña colada recipe is made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple, and couldn’t be easier. We also think it’s even better than the classic.
Sidecar Cocktail
Created during Prohibition, this collision of Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon isn’t for the faint of heart—nor for the slight of tolerance.
Beet and Carrot Fritters
Shame we didn’t have these little lovelies on our plates when we were being admonished by our parents to “eat your veggies!”
Roast Duck Stuffed with Farro, Figs, and Hazelnuts
Truly impressive and a heck of a lot less fussy than it looks. Tastes pretty darn phenomenal, too. Sign us up.
Pumpkin Meringue Pie Ice Cream
A cool, creamy version of our favorite pie. Pumpkin ice cream with chunks of crunchy crust and, get this, swirls of marshmallowy meringue.
Pumpkin Pie Babka
This babka is full of all the flavors of fall. Pumpkin, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and a crunchy streusel topping make it unforgettable.
Dorie Greenspan’s Mocha Walnut Torte
A rich walnut torte, that happens to be gluten-free and full of chocolate and coffee flavor, is a perfect dessert for sharing. Especially when covered with rich ganache.
Rosemary-Garlic Sourdough Bread
This rosemary-garlic sourdough bread is a stunning centerpiece loaf that will fill the kitchen with a delightfully aromatic smell.
Caramelized Honey Pumpkin Pie
A Thanksgiving pie for those looking for something different from last year. Brown butter and caramelized honey give pumpkin pie a whole new twist.