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 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Supremely Spooky Pizzas for Halloween

Small foodies may have candy on the brain, but before they start their whirlwind foraging expedition, little ghosts, cowgirls—and hopefully a tiny chef or two!?—need some food-fuel. Since it is Halloween, dinner needs to be fun and maybe a little spooky! For your sake, it should also be easy. We […]

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 […]

Main Dishes

Tacos de Carnitas (Succulent and Crispy Pork Tacos)

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2-in/5-cm cubes 1 lb pork ribs, cut into 2-bone segments 1 white onion, quartered 1 clove garlic 1 bay leaf Kosher salt, to taste 24 white corn tortillas 3 avocados, sliced 1 cup diced white onion, for garnish 3/4 cup […]

Pies and Tarts

The CIA Apple Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie They say if you love somebody, you give them diamonds—but we think if you truly love someone, you bake them a pie. This classic apple pie is a crowd-pleaser no matter what table it lands on, and friends and family will taste the love in each […]

Grilling

Turkey Sausage and Pepper Sliders

Makes 10 servings These sliders take the mess out of the east-coast favorite sausage sandwich! We’ve included a pinch of red pepper flakes, but if you like spice, you can add more, or even start with hot Italian sausage. Once grilling season is over, you can use this mixture to […]

Chef's Notes Plus

What I’m Cooking: Herb-Rubbed Roasted Pork

This recipe is really more about the rub than the roast, since it’s all-purpose and surprisingly versatile. Inspired by the seasoning typically used in porchetta, this rub is incredibly flavorful on its own, but a chameleon when paired with virtually any ingredient. Meaning you can eat a dish like this […]

Chef's Blog

Win The Big Game with a Super Chili Spread

Are you ready for some chili? We aren’t quite sure how chili and football became forever linked, but we know we like it. And while a hot bowl of chili is perfect for any old Sunday, we think the Big Game calls for a super chili spread! This year, don’t […]

Cakes

Yellow Sheet Cake

This recipe makes a perfect classic sheet cake, which you can pair with any of your favorite frostings or chocolate ganache. Makes one 9- by 13-inch cake Ingredients 4 cups cake flour, plus more for the pan 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt […]