The second installment of “oh dear god, I hate that word” is targeted on nom nom, and any iteration of it. (The first in this series focused on the word moist, the worst offender of words when it comes to food or the English language in general.) Nom nom was popularized by Sesame Street’s beloved character, the Cookie Monster, and it’s often used to describe something delicious.
When it comes to the use of nom nom, and our bubbling hatred for it, we almost feel like we don’t have to explain ourselves. Because, like we just stated, nom nom is what the Cookie Monster says. And while we have a soft spot for the cookie glutton, he wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box. So why in the world would we want to start talking like him? (For the record, if we were to mimic any of Sesame’s Streets characters, it would definitely be Count von Count.)
In the Urban Dictionary, nom nom is first defined as “the sound of ravenous eating.” We’re not certain about this, but we’re pretty sure we don’t want to hear someone eat ravenously — it must sound pretty gross, and not delicious at all.
In our opinion, the use of the phrase nom nom is as offensive as partaking in baby talk. You just shouldn’t do it. Anyone who doesn’t yet have a child (or is still sane despite having one) knows how nauseating it is to witness grown adults lose their ability to pronounce consonants when a baby child or animal is present. To us, it’s really simple: if you are fortunate enough to know how to speak properly, you should do it.
If you’re one of those people who often partakes in the use of nom, please know that we don’t judge you for it. We understand how these trends — however odd they may be — can take off. Full Disclosure: we have said nom nom, or some iteration of it like noms or nomers, more times than we can count. We only hope that you help us fight to bring this word back to it’s rightful place, with the Cookie Monster.
If you don’t know how to survive without nom nom, here are a bazillion (or 39) other words you can use in its place: ambrosial, appetizing, choice, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delish, enjoyable, enticing, exquisite, fit for king, good, gratifying, heavenly, luscious, lush, mellow, mouthwatering, nectarous, nice, palatable, piquant, pleasant, rare, rich, savory, scrumptious, spicy, sweet, tasteful, tasty, tempting, titillating, toothsome, well-prepared, well-seasoned, yummy and even divine (which turned out to be a great alternative to moist as well).
How do you feel about nom nom? Leave a comment!
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Check out these delicious (delectable, well-prepared, toothsome) pie recipes!
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Lemon Ice Box Pie
There’s nothing better than a classic ice box pie for dessert. This recipe has a graham cracker base and a lemon filling made with sweetened condensed milk. After baking, make sure to freeze the pie for at least 6 hours. It tastes the best straight out of the freezer.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/lemon-ice-box-pie_n_1058521.html” target=”_hplink”Lemon Ice Box Pie recipe/a/strong
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Tangerine Creamsicle Tart
This tart has all the flavor of a creamsicle but in pie form. With a graham cracker crust and a sweetened condensed milk filling, it’s sure to win over the hearts of kids and adults alike.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/tangerine-creamsicle-tart_n_1056791.html” target=”_hplink”Tangerine Creamsicle Tart recipe/a/strong
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Plum Pie
Use Italian prune plums for this pie recipe. Oblong in shape and almost black in color, their flavor is more pronounced and earthy than regular red plums.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/washington-plum-pie_n_1061303.html” target=”_hplink”Plum Pie recipe/a/strong
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Apricot, Almond And Brown Butter Tart
This tart recipe works well with either dried apricots or fresh — if you use dried, poach them to reconstitute. The flavorful tart filling includes ground toasted almonds and brown butter.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/apricot-almond-and-brown_n_1058200.html” target=”_hplink”Apricot, Almond and Brown Butter Tart recipe/a/strong
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Cherry-Berry Pie
Combining sweet cherries, raspberries and blueberries creates a beautiful ruby red pie. The lattice crust not only looks pretty but it’s also a great way for the steam to escape and makes it easy to check for doneness.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/cherry-berry-pie_n_1058284.html” target=”_hplink”Cherry-Berry Pie recipe/a/strong
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Blueberry Pie
There’s nothing like blueberries to create a beautiful pie with oozing purple filling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/20/cape-cod-blueberry-pie_n_1367199.html” target=”_hplink”Blueberry Pie recipe/a/strong
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Free-Form Apple Tart
Not all apple pies have to be made in pie tins. This rustic representation of apple pie is free-formed on a baking sheet for an easy, no-fuss preparation.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/free-form-apple-tart_n_1059602.html” target=”_hplink”Free-Form Apple Tart recipe/a/strong
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Strawberry Tart With Flaky Pastry
The crust for this recipe is exceptionally easy to make since it requires no rolling — just press it into the pie tin. It ends up looking (and tasting) like puff pastry. Fill the tart with whipped cream and top with your favorite summer fruit, such as strawberries.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/strawberry-tart-with-flak_n_1058724.html” target=”_hplink”Strawberry Tart with Flaky Pastry recipe/a/strong
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Lemon Tart
In this version of lemon meringue pie, the filling includes two thinly sliced whole lemons (not just the juice). Use store-bought sugar cookies, butter cookies or gingersnaps for the crust. Lemon lovers will appreciate this lip-smacking dessert.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/ohio-lemon-tart_n_1061320.html” target=”_hplink”Lemon Tart recipe/a/strong
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Blackberry And Summer Apple Pie
Blackberries and tart summer apples make an ideal flavor combination in this homey pie. If you can’t find summer apples, substitute Granny Smith apples. A little bit of cornmeal in the pie dough adds a pleasant crunchy texture.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/monicas-blackberry-and-s_n_1061298.html” target=”_hplink”Blackberry and Summer Apple Pie recipe/a/strong
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Banoffee Tart
Banoffee is a mash-up of the words banana and toffee — this tart has both. The wafer crust has toasted pecans and toffee bits, and the creamy filling has layers of banana slices.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/banoffee-tart_n_1056795.html” target=”_hplink”Banoffee Tart recipe/a/strong
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Apricot And Basil Shortbread Tart
Make this elegant tart in three steps: first make the basil-infused pastry cream, blindbake the crust, then roast the apricots and assemble.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/apricot-and-basil-shortbr_n_1058201.html” target=”_hplink”Apricot and Basil Shortbread Tart recipe/a/strong
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Boston Cream Cake Pie
This pie recipe layers vanilla cream, white cake and chocolate ganache inside a buttery cookie-like crust. It’s a unique take on the classic Boston cream pie.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/15/boston-cream-cake-pie_n_1151670.html” target=”_hplink”Boston Cream Cake Pie recipe/a/strong
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Blueberry Tart With Walnut Crust
This beautiful tart features a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese filling and a fresh blueberry topping. Toasted walnuts add another layer of flavor and texture to the crust.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/blueberry-tart-with-walnu_n_1061749.html” target=”_hplink”Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust recipe/a/strong
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Mocha Baked Alaska Pie
This mocha version of baked Alaska features a chocolate wafer crust, a layered filling of chocolate and coffee ice creams, and a billowy meringue topping.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mocha-baked-alaska-pie_n_1059564.html” target=”_hplink”Mocha Baked Alaska pie recipe/a/strong
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Raspberry-Almond Crumb Tart
There’s no mess or fuss with this tart recipe — the crust is made easily in the food processor and pressed right into the pan. Make the filling with slivered almonds and either fresh or frozen raspberries.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/raspberry-almond-crumb-ta_n_1061561.html” target=”_hplink”Raspberry-Almond Crumb Tart recipe/a/strong
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Chocolate-Bourbon Tart
Bourbon adds a lot of punch to the chocolate filling of this tart. The dessert ends up tasting like a giant dark-chocolate truffle.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chocolate-bourbon-tart_n_1059514.html” target=”_hplink”Chocolate-Bourbon Tart recipe/a/strong
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Rhubarb Tartlets
Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, but it’s commonly known as the “pie fruit.” Here the rhubarb filling is baked separately from the pie, which cuts down on the baking time for the tartlets. You can also make this recipe as one large tart.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/rhubarb-tartlets_n_1057633.html” target=”_hplink”Rhubarb Tartlets recipe/a
/strong -
Peach Custard Pie
Greek yogurt lightens the custard of this luscious pie, which is studded with fresh peach slices. A topping of crushed pecans adds a nice texture.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/peach-custard-pie-_n_1062213.html” target=”_hplink”Peach Custard Pie recipe/a/a/strong
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Cherry Pie Bars
Make a pie for a crowd with this cherry pie recipe that uses a 9-by-13-inch baking pan instead of a pie plate. Feel free to use frozen cherries to save time on pitting.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/cherry-pie-bars_n_1391464.html” target=”_hplink”Cherry Pie Bars recipe/a/strong
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Impossible Pie
You’d think it impossible to make a pie without a crust, but it’s possible with this recipe — as the coconut pie bakes it forms its own crust.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/impossible-pie_n_1061070.html” target=”_hplink”Impossible Pie recipe/a/strong
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Chocolate-Raspberry Pie
This no bake chocolate-raspberry pie has a secret ingredient — silken tofu! It makes the dessert creamy and smooth like a mousse.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chocolate-raspberry-tofu-_n_1062430.html” target=”_hplink”Chocolate-Raspberry Pie recipe/a/strong
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Frangipane Apple Tart With Apricot Glaze
A classic frangipane tart uses ground almonds to create a unique filling. This version features sliced apples, arranged in a pretty pattern on top. For extra shine, brush the tart with apricot glaze.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/frangipane-apple-tart-wit_n_1057566.html” target=”_hplink”Frangipane Apple Tart with Apricot Glaze recipe/a/strong
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Nilla Ice Cream Pie
This decadent pie uses vanilla wafers as its crust and features an ice cream and candy bar filling, all topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/nilla-ice-cream-pie_n_1059286.html” target=”_hplink”Nilla Ice Cream Pie recipe/a/strong
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Lemon Meringue Tart
This recipe creates an adorable mini tart that’s perfectly sized for two. The lemon pudding filling is topped with a classic meringue topping that’s browned in the oven.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/lemon-meringue-tart-for-t_n_1049768.html” target=”_hplink”Lemon Meringue Tart recipe/a/strong
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White Peach Tart
White peaches are intensely aromatic and flavorful, perfect for this pretty tart. The crust is not your usual pie dough, but a cakey dough that’s easily pressed into the pan so there’s no need for a board and rolling pin.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/white-peach-tart_n_1058796.html” target=”_hplink”White Peach Tart recipe/a/strong
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie
This dessert takes on two childhood favorites: caramel apples and apple pie. A portion of caramel is poured over the apple filling during assembly — the remaining caramel makes a perfect serving sauce.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/salted-caramel-apple-pie_n_1391463.html” target=”_hplink”Salted Caramel Apple Pie recipe/a/strong
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Blueberry Sour Cream Tart
You’ll love the contrasting flavors of the tangy sour cream custard filling and sweet blueberry topping in this dessert tart. For extra shine, brush the berries with melted curant jelly.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/blueberry-sour-cream-tart_n_1061343.html” target=”_hplink”Blueberry Sour Cream Tart recipe/a/strong
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Chocolate-Espresso Cream Pie
Espresso powder enhances the flavor of the chocolate in the custardy filling of this ice box pie. Serve with copious amounts of whipped cream for a heavenly dessert.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chocolate-espresso-cream-_n_1059559.html” target=”_hplink”Chocolate-Espresso Cream Pie recipe/a/strong
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Rustic Pear Tart
Start this recipe by rolling out the pie dough on a piece of parchment before transferring to a baking sheet, making it easier to handle. Once you add the pears, simply fold over the edges.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/rustic-pear-tart_n_1049341.html” target=”_hplink”Rustic Pear Tart recipe/a/strong
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Apricot And Blueberry Tart
Apricots and blueberries make a pretty design on the top of this tart, which features a pastry cream filling and an almond crust.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/apricot-and-blueberry-tar_n_1058202.html” target=”_hplink”Apricot and Blueberry Tart recipe/a/strong
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Concord Grape Pie
Concord grape pies are old-fashioned specialties. The grapes turn thick and sweet, not unlike grape jam. The secret to preparing the grapes is separating the flesh from the skins, then boiling the flesh and straining out the seeds. The skins and pulp are then reincorporated for the filling.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/concord-grape-pie_n_1057758.html” target=”_hplink”Concord Grape Pie recipe/a/strong
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Milk Chocolate Pudding Pie With Salted Peanut Crust
Who can resist this pie, which combines milk chocolate and salty peanuts? Crushed peanuts go in the crust and get sprinkled on top.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/milk-chocolate-pudding-pi_n_1471479.html” target=”_hplink”Milk Chocolate Pudding Pie with Salted Peanut Crust recipe/a/strong
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Deep Dish Apple Pie
A little bit of sour cream in the whole-wheat crust creates an extra tender result. Make sure you roll the dough large enough to fit over the four pounds of sliced apples the recipe calls for.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/deep-dish-apple-pie_n_1061598.html” target=”_hplink”Deep Dish Apple Pie recipe/a/strong
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Cherry Ice Cream Pie With Chocolate Cookie Crust
This pie barely requires any work when you use a store-bought cookie crust. The filling is made of ice cream, frozen cherries and chocolate chips.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/cherry-ice-cream-pie-with_n_1062156.html” target=”_hplink”Cherry Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust recipe/a/strong
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Apple Pie
This classic apple pie recipe gives you two options: Either bake a classic double-crust pie in a pie plate, or use just one crust (freeze the other for later) to create a rustic pie (as pictured).
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/apple-pie_n_1059262.html” target=”_hplink”Apple Pie recipe/a/strong
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Frozen Raspberry Pie
This tart recipe is basically a meringue pie with raspberry puree folded into the egg whites. Freeze the pie before serving to get that parfait-like texture.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/frozen-raspberry-pie_n_1049594.html” target=”_hplink”Frozen Raspberry Pie recipe/a/strong
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S’More Pie
Any s’mores lover will appreciate this dessert, which takes all the classic ingredients of s’mores and creates an over-the-top pie with graham cracker crust, chocolate custard filling and marshmallowy meringue topping.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/smore-pie_n_1391461.html” target=”_hplink”S’more Pie recipe/a/strong
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Key Lime Pie
This version of key lime pie combines sweetened condensed milk and plain yogurt to create a silken filling. Instead of whipped cream, it gets topped with meringue that’s browned slightly under the broiler.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/key-lime-pie_n_1061632.html” target=”_hplink”Key Lime Pie recipe/a/strong
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Honest Cherry Pie
This classic cherry pie recipe uses tapioca starch in the filling to thicken the juices. Adding a little bit of almond extract helps bring out the flavor of the fruit.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/honest-cherry-pie_n_1061301.html” target=”_hplink”Honest Cherry Pie recipe/a/strong
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Marble Cheesecake Tart
This tart takes on the cheesecake with a chocolate wafer crust and a cream cheese and yogurt filling that swirls in cocoa. If you like, add a touch of rum to bring out the flavor even more.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/marble-cheesecake-tart_n_1056793.html” target=”_hplink”Marble Cheesecake Tart recipe/a/strong
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Cherry-Almond Pie
Cherries and almonds make a unique flavor combination in this pie featuring a frangipane (almond paste) filling. Make sure to press the cherries into the paste so they don’t sit on top.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/northwest-cherry-almond-p_n_1061304.html” target=”_hplink”Cherry-Almond Pie recipe/a/strong
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Apple And Concord Grape Tart
Concord grapes on their own make a spectacular pie, but adding apples sweetens the deal. You don’t have to worry about a pie plate for this recipe, a sheet pan makes the tart look rustic.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/17/apple-and-concord-grape-t_n_1431683.html” target=”_hplink”Apple and Concord Grape Tart recipe/a/strong
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Double Chocolate Tart
What you basically have here is a giant brownie inside a chocolate tart. What’s not to love?
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/double-chocolate-tart_n_1059296.html” target=”_hplink”Double Chocolate Tart recipe/a/strong
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Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie
Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic combination for pie that many people love. In this recipe a bit of instant tapioca in the fruit filling helps the juices thicken nicely during baking.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/strawberry-rhubarb-pie_n_1061961.html” target=”_hplink”Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie recipe/a/strong
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Pear And Almond Custard Tart
This pear tart features a biscotti crust, an almond cream filling, and a top layer of thinly sliced Bosc pears. A final glaze of apple jelly lends a nice sheen to the elegant tart.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/pear–almond-custard-tar_n_1056797.html” target=”_hplink”Pear and Almond Custard tart recipe/a/strong
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Vanilla Pudding Pie
This vanilla pudding pie recipe gives you three dessert options: make a standard vanilla pudding pie, a banana pudding pie or a coconut pudding pie.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/20/vanilla-puddin-pie_n_1368353.html” target=”_hplink”Vanilla Pudding Pie recipe/a/strong
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Nectarine Custard Pie
Find a rich nectarine and custard filling between two layers of tender, flaky pie dough. For an extra special touch, cover the top with a lattice crust.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/washington-nectarine-and-_n_1061305.html” target=”_hplink”Nectarine Custard Pie recipe/a/strong
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Strawberry-Black Pepper Tarts
You might be surprised about the combination of strawberries and black pepper, but the spice actually helps bring out the flavor of the fruit. The tarts can be made either in small 6-inch tart pans or freeformed on a sheet pan.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/strawberry-black-pepper-t_n_1049767.html” target=”_hplink”Strawberry-Black Pepper Tarts recipe/a/strong
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Chocolate Tart With Hazelnut Shortbread Crust
This silky chocolate tart features a shortbread crust made with ground hazelnuts. The filling includes a bit of coffee liqueur to enhance the chocolate flavor.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chocolate-tart-with-hazel_n_1061836.html” target=”_hplink”Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Shortbread Crust recipe/a/strong
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Triple Fruit Pie
Nectarines, peaches and apricots make a delicious combination in this classic summer pie recipe. The pie dough is made with vegetable shortening for extra flakiness.
strongGet the a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/triple-fruit-pie_n_1061448.html” target=”_hplink”Triple Fruit Pie recipe/a/strong
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