Breakfast and Brunch, Side Dishes

Garlic Cheese Grits

Makes 8 servings These grits get a great garlic flavor from just a little bit of garlic and they are jam-packed with cheese and butter, just the way they should be. The Tabasco and the cayenne give them a little kick. You may opt to leave out the eggs and […]

Sandwiches

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Makes 5 servings   These are your basic grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, but as far as we’re concerned, they’re just a starting point for your foodie-creativity. Though, yes, these are perfect as is, especially beside some Cream of Tomato Soup, experiment with different breads, cheeses, meats, and even toppings. […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Home School: Deep-Frying

Frying is not something most of us do often. Spoiler alert: t’s not the healthiest method of cooking, but also, it’s a little messy, it makes our houses smell like a fast food restaurant, and for some people, it can seem scary! But deep frying does have its place in […]

Chef's Notes Plus

How to Make a Basic Braise—Just in Time for Autumn

Braising, barbecuing, and slow-roasting are all long, low cooking methods that utilize less tender, fattier cuts of meats with a lot of connective tissue. But braising stands apart in that it includes liquid in the cooking process. It is also a combination cooking method—one that uses both dry and moist […]

Chef's Blog

In Defense of Spam

Early in the semester, CIA students in my Food Writing course read “On Chicken Tenders,” by Helen Rosner, published in 2015 in Guernica. In this amusing but sincere defense of a derided, children’s menu staple, Rosner effectively argues against those who look down on ordering, eating, and celebrating the “perfect” […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Irish-style Lamb Stew

Makes 10 servings Ingredients 4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into spoon-size pieces 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh thyme 3 fresh parsley stems 4 cups (two 10-ounce bags) pearl onions, blanched and peeled (or frozen) […]

Desserts

Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot)

Makes 10 donuts Whether you save them as a special Hanukkah treat or enjoy them year round, there is no wrong reason to eat a jelly donut. Use any jelly or jam that you like best, or fill the donuts with dulce de leche, vanilla cream, or chocolate-hazelnut spread. Ingredients […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making a Stew Without a Recipe

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 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Matzo Ball Soup for Passover

Matzo Ball Soup is as personal as your favorite old pajamas, and no pair will ever be as good as yours. Just like any traditional comfort food, there are endless variations and personalization, and while we have one we go-to, we’ve truthfully never met a matzo ball we didn’t love. […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Matzo Brei

Makes 4 servings Matzo brei is a simple Jewish comfort food that’s popular at Passover, or really any time of year! Every family makes this dish a little bit differently, and while we like to fry the matzo until it is crisp and toasty, you may prefer to leave it […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Matzo Brei: The Ultimate 5-Minute Comfort Food

Passover begins on Friday, and of course, we’re planning our seder menu. But when there is matzo in the house, there is admittedly only one thing on our mind. Matzo is significant during Passover when unleavened bread is forbidden by tradition, hence flat and crispy matzo. And while you can […]