Upon reading the title, you may be thinking: “It’s a few weeks before the holiday, and I just started to write my shopping list. I still have to fight the crowds at the grocery store, to then go home and start preparing the meal. Now you want me to make […]
Rugelach are the perfect little treat to have any day of the year, but they are a must-have at Hanukkah! Cookies made by rolling dough around a slightly-sweet filling like jam, chocolate, or even poppy seeds, rugelach are a favorite Jewish tradition. And what’s even better is that these cookies […]
Reminders from a Reformed Over-Thinker Entertaining season is upon us, and there’s no time left to ruminate about the finer points of throwing a top-notch party. If you’re in the weeds (chef-speak for very overwhelmed!), here are some reminders to help you entertain like a person who has had plenty […]
Some classic, some a little less so, these recipes are all crowd pleasers. We’ve developed these to serve 12, which means less math on your holiday to-do list, plus make-ahead directions to make your day a little less busy. Shaved Fennel, Arugula, Avocado, and Orange Salad This colorful salad showcases […]
A great recipe is more than delicious—it’s also convenient: easy to prepare, easy to use, versatile, and ready when you might not be. As we prepare for the holidays, we’re looking to our favorite Shortbread Tartlet Shells recipe. Making 6 dozen individual-sized shells, this recipe produces enough buttery, tender shells […]
We aren’t trying to rush you into the holiday spirit. In fact, we’re trying to delay the stress of holiday party planning in hopes of a calm and stress-free year. But as the weather cools, inevitably, Thanksgiving will come–and with it, a long to-do list. In the coming weeks, take […]
It’s safe to bet that most of us don’t have deep fryers ready and waiting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pan- or deep-fry items for a crispy, crunchy, golden brown exterior. Frying on the stovetop is safe and easy with these tips in mind: Heat the correct amount of […]
You are in official Halloween weather watch mode, when you finally decide: do I have to wear a jacket over my awesome costume!? Your friends at the CIA are rooting for you, and our fingers are crossed for clear skies and warm breezes for your candy-gathering adventures! But before you […]
Pastry bags and tips are great tools to have in the kitchen. They make it easy to add fillings to pastries and cakes as well as to shape doughs like pâte à choux uniformly. Cloth and vinyl bags can be washed and reused. Disposable bags are inexpensive and work equally […]
Chocolate is a very stable product and has a long shelf life when properly stored. Under proper conditions, dark chocolate has a shelf life of twelve months, and milk or white chocolate will keep for six months. Some simple precautions will ensure that your chocolate is in pristine condition when […]
Over 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States, and of those, only about 100 are grown commercially. This means that the best apple for baking in your region might be different than the best apple halfway across the country. But there are some basic guidelines you can […]
At it’s very most basic, a stew is bite-sized pieces of food cooked in a liquid, generally over low heat for an extended period. You can stew meat, poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit—virtually anything—in broth, wine, beer, vinegar. Again, virtually anything. Stews are kitchen workhorses. You can make big batches […]