Gail Simmons has a suggestion for you this holiday season: don't overlook the arsenal of versatile ingredients already in your pantry. In her latest episode of KitchenDaily's Pantry Project, the Top Chef: Just Desserts host shows how cocoa adds a depth of flavor to both traditional baked desserts and savory entrées.
Using dark, acidic natural cocoa and the more alkaline Dutch process cocoa powder, Simmons created three recipes that display the ingredient's versatility: spiced hot chocolate with cardamom and chili powder, espresso and chocolate cupcakes, and smoky baby back ribs. To get the recipes and a demonstration of what Gail calls "probably the easiest recipe for baby back ribs you will ever find," head over to KitchenDaily.
