Name: Pistachio Brioche
Yield: Makes 4 individual loaves
Ingredients: 4 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk for brushing; 375g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting; 1 (7g) packet of dried yeast; 1½ teaspoons salt; 40g superfine sugar, plus 30g for the pistachio paste; 200g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing; 120g pistachios; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon brandy

Photo of an individual pistachio brioche bun on a decorative plate with a knife.

Photo by David Loftus

Time, rather than years of experience, is what you really need when making your own brioche. Along with a mixer fitted with a dough hook. Fortnum’s chefs have been using this particular recipe for over 32 years. The reason? It works like a dream, every single time.

Recipe notes

Almost Cannoli Galettes

Cannoli and sfogliatelle require complex technique—making them is best left to the professionals. But a galette-inspired variation? That’s a snap to do at home.

Cardamom Pancakes With Honey Lime Syrup

Yeasted pancakes mixed with saffron and cardamom (called chebab) are typical of Gulf countries, but I must confess I much prefer these lacy thin crepes.

Pan-Fried Turmeric Bread (Kubez Kimaaj)

Kubez bread, a.k.a. kimaaj, is an Arabic flatbread or pita bread. It’s a staple in the Middle East used as an accompaniment for various dishes or as a wrap.

Jammy Grape Galette

We don’t bake with grapes as often as we should. But even the most average supermarket varieties come alive when roasted with a bit of sugar and seasoning.

Palets Bretons

Palets bretons are oversize cookies that feature butter, and because they’re from Brittany, they’re traditionally made with beurre salé, salted butter.

Île Flottante

Originally called omelette à la neige (snow omelet) in reference to the fluffy snow-like appearance of the meringue, île flottante (floating island) has a lengthy history that dates back to the 17th century.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

Mississippi Mud Cake

This cake was created from thrift and was supposedly named after its appearance, which reminded people of the muddy Mississippi River bottom.