Chef's Notes Plus

Bakers’ Percentage

Buckle up, foodies. We’re doing math! Artisan bread requires just a few key ingredients, but it is the ratio of those ingredients and the way they are handled that produce a wide array of finished loaves. Proper execution comes from a detailed understanding of each step in the process—what needs […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Using Malt in Breading Baking

Malted barley is called for in many of our bread recipes (as malt syrup) because of its impact on the dough. Malt is made by separating the enzymes that break down starch into sugar from cereal grains, usually barley. Many flours are treated with malts at the mill, but organic […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Sourdough Starters: 101

The process of making sourdough bread begins with creation of a sour, a culture of microorganisms that are fed and cultivated to increase their quantity. This sour is then used to ferment the final bread dough. To fully understand the process of sourdough baking, it is important to examine each […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Establishing a Sourdough Starter

Ready for at-home bread baking with your very own sourdough starter? Follow this schedule to create your own starter in 5 to 7 days. For more information about starters, see Sourdough Starters: 101. DAY 1 Mix equal amounts of flour with water (at 85°F) until the mixture is homogenous. Use […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Types of Salt for Cooking and Baking

It doesn’t get much attention, but salt is one of the most important ingredients in everyday cooking and baking. It primes our palates to identify and enjoy flavors and textures, and it works to amplify and balance what we taste. Different types of salts have varying textures and levels of […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Infusing Oils and Vinegars

Infusing flavorful liquids, such as oils and vinegars, boosts their overall flavor—making them powerful additions to any dish without affecting the nutritional content in a negative way. To make your own infused oils and vinegars, use any of the following methods: Heat the oil or vinegar very gently over low […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Creating Contrasts in Plated Desserts

Since you are a DISH member, we know that you likely have dessert ambitions beyond the classic cookies and coffee. And why shouldn’t you? The world of pastry is exciting and decadent! If you are home channeling your inner pastry chef, designing a composed, or plated, dessert for your next […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Making Icebox Cookies

Icebox cookies are named for the place they would be stored, ready to be baked at a moment’s notice. Sounds like something that could come in handy right about now, eh? Icebox cookies are simple doughs, often basic butter cookies or shortbreads. Once mixed, the doughs are rolled into a […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Stocking Your Home Bar for Entertaining

For many, a well-stocked bar means a lot of space— and money. Rather, a well-stocked bar is not a matter of quantity, but instead has meaningful selections available for those who are using it. Think about the last banquet you attended, even for hundreds of people. The bar had one […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Design Your Own Gingerbread House

Nothing says “Christmas!” like an old-fashioned gingerbread house, and this year, we’re going all out! These cookies are the ideal canvas for all sorts of decorative touches. The dough can be made and baked off in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to decorate or finish. Use […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Filling Cake Pans for Perfect Results

Whether tried-and-true or new-to-you, some cake recipes leave you guessing when it comes to filling the pan. Here are some basic pan-filling standards for sheet cakes, layer cakes, or the ever unpredictable bundt or tube cakes.

Chef's Notes Plus

Making Soft Caramel Candies

Soft Caramels are among the most popular of all confections, and in any box of assorted chocolates they are very likely to be the first to disappear. Lucky for us, caramels are fun to make, and there are few things more delicious than a just-made caramel candy. Even better, they’re […]