Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

On-The Go Bites for Wherever LDW Takes You

Marking the unofficial end up summer is always bittersweet. Summer is special, and we think it deserves one last farewell bash this Labor Day Weekend. Whether you’re firing up the grill or taking the party to the beach, here are a few of our favorite savory bites, sweet treats, and […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Say Aloha to Summer with a Tiki Bash

There’s one weekend of summer left (what!?), which kind of begs for a party! If you’re throwing together a last-minute get-together, there is no better strategy than to make it a tiki party—and here’s why: Fun outfits. Tasty drinks. Delicious but low-effort food. Quality kitsch décor. Extraordinary music. OK, so […]

Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Barbecue

Makes 12 to 14 servings Ingredients 5 pounds boneless pork butt (shoulder) 3 cups (about 2 large) thinly sliced onions 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon crushed garlic 3 tablespoons smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle or hot pepper 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Spit-Roasted Garlic and Lime Chicken

Make 4 servings This recipe is very easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. If you do not have a rotisserie, you can roast the chicken in the oven in a roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack. Ingredients 1 teaspoon lime zest 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about […]

Main Dishes, Salads

Summer Pasta Salad with Pecorino and Dill

Makes 6 to 8 servings You can call this pasta salad and enjoy it room temperature or chilled, or you can keep the components hot for a late-summer dinner. Try basil, mint, or a combination of the two as a substitute for the dill, if you like.

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Summertime Grilling for a Crowd

Grilling for a party always sounds fun, but inevitably, it ends up being stressful. Your chicken takes forever to cook, the burgers fall apart on the grill, or you over- (or under) cook those beautiful steaks you splurged on. This summer, go easy on yourself and plan a menu that […]

Main Dishes

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Makes 4 servings Lettuce wraps are a fun and easy meal to feed a crowd. Serve assembled wraps on platters, like we did here, or put out platters of lettuce leaves, cooked shrimp, and garnishes and let folks assemble their own. Make the sauce a few days ahead for minimal […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Turkey Burgers Without a Recipe

Turkey burgers have a reputation as the bland, virtuous cousin of the beef hamburger. And some can be, since ground turkey doesn’t bring much to the flavor table as an ingredient. But a turkey burger doesn’t have to be a boring substitute for something you would rather eat—it can be […]

Sandwiches

Vegetable Burgers

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 4 carrots, grated 2 celery stalks, grated 1 onion, grated 1/4 cup minced bell pepper (any color) 3/4 cup minced button or cremini mushrooms 8 scallions, minced 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon […]

Allergen Friendly, Salads, Side Dishes

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

Makes 4 servings To make perfect balls from the watermelon flesh, press a melon baller tool, also known as a Parisian scoop, into the watermelon and twist it to remove the ball of melon. If you do not have a melon baller, or just want to save time, cut the […]

Chef's Notes Plus

What I’m Cooking: Green Bean and Potato Salad

The main course is sort of the easy part. We can all grill chicken or roast a pork loin, but with limited ingredients, it can be the sides that throw us off. You can only eat boxed macaroni and cheese so many times, even during a global pandemic. Veggie sides […]