Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Flavoring Homemade Ice Cream

As the summer settles in, there is no greater joy than a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. No matter your favorite flavor, from simple vanilla to the rockiest rocky road, an ice cream cone is the ultimate way to treat yourself. Near our San Antonio campus, where […]

Cakes

Flourless Chocolate Soufflé Cake

Makes one 8-inch cake Ingredients 5 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing 10 large eggs (divided use) 2/3 cup sugar (divided use) 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional) Directions Preheat the oven to 375°F. […]

Desserts

French Vanilla Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings This is your classic vanilla ice cream, with a clean vanilla flavor and those signature flecks from the seeds of a fresh vanilla bean. If you can’t find vanilla beans, vanilla paste is your best substitute. Ingredients 3 cups heavy cream 1 […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Fresh Blueberry Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie If you have never had a fresh blueberry pie, this is the classic recipe to try. The top crust is formed with overlapping star cutouts, making it perfect for the Fourth of July—high season for fresh blueberries! Ingredients One recipe All-Butter Pie Dough, unbaked double crust […]

Pies and Tarts

Fudgy Walnut Brownie Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The filling for this pie is reminiscent of a fudgy, dense brownie studded with walnuts and bittersweet chocolate chunks. The crispy chocolate crumb crust is an added bonus in both flavor and texture. If you prefer a moister, denser texture to the filling, bake for 35 […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Graham Cracker-Crumb Crust

Makes one 9pinch pie or tart pan Graham crackers come in a variety of flavors, including honey graham, chocolate, and cinnamon. If you do not have a food processor to create crumbs, use a resealable bag and a rolling pin to finely crush the crackers. Ingredients 1 cup (4 oz; […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Grappa with Berries

Makes 6 servings This recipe can be made with any fruit that is in season. The recipe makes six portions, but you can make as much or as little as you like. Keep replenishing the fruit as you use it so that you’ll have a supply on hand whenever you […]

Desserts

Grilled Pound Cake with Coffee Ganache

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 Pound Cake, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 1 cup Coffee Ganache 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts Directions Preheat a gas grill to medium-high. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn […]