Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Ice Cream

Churned frozen desserts like ice cream, sherbet, and sorbet get their soft, spoonable texture from being stirred with a paddle (known as a dasher) while they are cooled to below the freezing point in an ice-cream maker. The stirring action ensures that the ice crystals remain tiny and introduces enough […]

Soups and Stews

Chilled Cream of Avocado Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings This easy soup manages to preserve the elusive flavor of the avocado. Use only very ripe avocados for this soup. If you buy avocados that aren’t ripe yet, you can speed the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple and […]

Allergen Friendly, Soups and Stews

Gazpacho

Makes 8 servings This is a very simple, straightforward, no-frills gazpacho recipe. It is tangy and fresh, with a full-bodied texture thanks to a generous pour of olive oil. Experiment with proportions to find your perfect balance. Ingredients 4 lb tomatoes, cored and chopped 2 cups chopped green pepper 2 […]

Salads

Hearts of Artichoke Salad

Makes 4 servings Artichoke hearts are tender and delicious and pair perfectly with the sharp red onion, briny kalamata olives, and sweet tomatoes. Ingredients 4 fresh or frozen artichoke hearts 1 lemon, halved 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Horchata Iced Coffee

Makes 8 servings This horchata and coffee mixture is refreshing and lightly spiced, making it the perfect pick-me-up on those warmer fall days. Adjust the amount or horchata or coffee to your preference, or you can even substitute the brewed coffee for one or two shots of espresso or cold […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Main Dishes

Swordfish Carpaccio

Serves 6 to 8 Fish carpaccio is very common in regions where fresh fish is available. It is often cured with an acid, usually lemon juice, and marinated with extra-virgin olive oil and herbs. Ingredients 1 1/2 lb swordfish Sea salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed 2 […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Tartaro di Tonno (Tuna Tartare)

Makes 4 to 6 servings Tuna is a very popular fish in the south of Italy. We prepare this recipe with a few simple ingredients also typical in that area, including capers, lemon, and red onion. Since the tuna remains partially raw, it must be as fresh as possible. Ingredients […]

Soups and Stews

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho

Makes 2 quarts Swing by your local farmers’ market to find heirloom varieties of yellow tomatoes in the fall. While you are there, pick up a few extra pounds to core and freeze whole so that you can make this soup throughout the winter. If you can’t find yellow tomatoes, […]