A crowd favorite and hero of the plant-forward kitchen, chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile ingredient in sweet or savory recipes. Widely known for its high protein and fiber content, this pulse is found in many Middle Eastern and Indian recipes, including hummus, falafel, salads, pastas, and […]
Kitchen Tips Even the Pros Use
At the CIA, we teach future chefs the best way to slice, dice, and sauté. Just like all old (ancient!) art-forms, there are foundational techniques that everyone must learn before they can become experts. But even seasoned chefs take shortcuts, especially at home. After all, we all have different needs, […]
All About Pie
On Pi Day or any day, pie is a foodie VIP. Tender, flaky pastry, creamy custards, best-of-the-season produce, and the option for a la mode!? Count us in! Your One-Stop Shop for Everything Pie Looking for inspiration, recipes, and pro tips from the CIA? We’ve got you covered! Check out […]
A CIA Valentine’s Day
Your Resource for Everything Valentine’s Day Love is in the air, and we think the best way to show you care is, well, through food, of course! Whether it’s for your better half, Mom and Dad, or even yourself, a little extra decadence is in order. From chocolates to pasta […]
Malaysian Stir-Fried Rice Noodles
Makes 6 servings Char kwey teow is probably one of the most iconic noodle dishes in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Commonly sold at the hawker centers of the region, the recipes for char kwey teow vary from vendor to vendor. Most feature wide ribbon–style rice noodles, Chinese sausage, eggs, and […]
CIA at Copia—Napa, CA
CIA at Copia—Napa, CA CIA at Copia has it all. From dining experiences and hands-on cooking classes to wine tasting, shopping, and fun-filled events, there is always something new to discover. Food and Wine Enjoy a meal with friends, grab ‘n go lunch options, some of the region’s best wines, […]
A CIA Christmas
Your Resource for Everything Christmas ‘Tis the season to celebrate with the ones you love, and food is our love-language. From Christmas breakfast to Santa’s cookies, each dish is a gift. If you’re looking for menu inspiration, edible gifts ideas, or maybe techniques for preparing your first holiday meal, we’ve […]
A CIA Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday—a celebration of gratitude, family, and, of course, food. As we all look forward to gathering for the holidays, you can make this Thanksgiving one to remember—with tips, tricks, and recipes from the CIA. From prep to pie, we’ve got you covered! Check out the sections […]
Tips for the Perfect Fruit Pie Without a Recipe
In a moment of introspection, it has occurred to us that “pie season” is sort of a disingenuous concept. We are currently in the thick of summer pie season, but also, we are on the tail end of late spring pie season. And before we know it, it will be […]
4th of July Side Dishes to Steal the Show
Either you’re the person who waits all year for a grilled hot dog or burger, or you’re the person testing the limits of those paper plates with a scoop of every side dish, because nothing beats a good potato salad. Of course, no food decision is a bad decision, so […]
How to Make a Hearty Vegetable Soup Without a Recipe
Hearty vegetable soups (broth + veggies + other ingredients, left chunky) are for more than the cold of winter, since they can showcase some of our favorite spring and summer veggies! Best of all, you don’t need a recipe to make a flavorful hearty soup, as long as you follow […]
The Joy of Baking Bread at Home
Baking bread at home is much easier than you think. First, don’t be afraid of making a mess or doing it wrong. Most great bakers have spent years making mistakes and are only great now because they’ve learned what not to do. Second, start with a no-knead method if you’re […]