Chef's Notes Plus

Identifying Cheese Rinds (or, Can I Eat That?)

Rinds happen. The first ones that showed up were on cheeses that sat around for a long time without becoming inedible. Somehow, a tough exterior was allowed to form which protected the cheese from vermin while keeping moisture inside. This is a natural rind. Other rinds occurred over time, and […]

Main Dishes

Individual Lasagnas with Spring Vegetables

Makes 4 servings Get your kids or guests to help assemble the lasagnas. Let each “sous chef” add one ingredient—noodles, purée, veggies—to the plate. If you can’t find whole grain lasagna noodles, conventional dry lasagna noodles will work just fine. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 1 bunch (approximately 1 pound) […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

It’s Turkey Time!

Spooky season is behind us, which can only mean one thing. It’s turkey time, and by that we mean it is truly turkey time, so call your favorite farm, market, or restaurant to pre-order your bird. If it’s too soon to order, set an alarm! If you get a jump […]

Sandwiches

Italian-Style Sub Sandwich

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a classic summer sandwich, perfect for a backyard picnic or road trip to the beach. Substitute your favorite deli meats, like turkey, roast beef, or even tuna fish salad, but don’t miss out on the mayo + toppings spread that makes every sandwich […]

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 […]

Salads

Kale, Cashew, and Cranberry Pasta Salad

Makes 4 to 6 portions This pasta salad is great cold or at room temperature (a gift from the meal prep fairies), but it’s just as good hot, if you don’t have time to give it a good chill. Ingredients 12 oz whole wheat penne 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Kir Royale

Serves 5 Kir royale is made by combining champagne with crème de cassis, a deep-red liqueur made from black currants that was first made by French monks in the 16th century as a cure for snakebites and jaundice. Try other fruit-flavored liqueurs (peach, orange, or raspberry) instead of cassis, if […]

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Lace Nut Tuiles

Makes about 24 tuiles The name for these delicate stenciled cookies means “tiles” in French. They are traditionally shaped to look like the terra-cotta tiles used on roofs throughout the Mediterranean. The batter is soft enough to spread in a thin layer. You can spread the batter into simple circles […]

Main Dishes

Lamb and Pumpkin Couscous

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a lamb and pumpkin stew served on a bed of couscous. If you want to change it up a little bit, make the dish with Israeli couscous in the style of risotto. It will be creamy and delicious, if not exactly traditional. Ingredients […]

Soups and Stews

Leek and Potato Soup

Ingredients 1 lb Yukon potatoes, diced 1 lb leeks, thinly sliced 2 quart chicken or vegetable stock 1 tablespoon kosher salt 6 tablespoons heavy cream 1 1/2 tablespoons minced parsley 1 1/2 tablespoons minced chives Directions Simmer the vegetables, stock, and salt together, partially covered, for 40 to 50 minutes […]

Chef's Blog

Let’s Do Brunch!

Brunches and, for you early-rising hosts, breakfasts are ideal for family celebrations, like birthdays, anniversaries, and baby showers, especially when the meal is part of a weekend- or even week-long celebration, like a wedding. Breakfasts and brunches are also a great opportunity to showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables and luxury […]

One-Dish Meals

Lobster Ravioli with Corn Sauce

Makes 5 or 6 servings Striping the pasta is really fun, but also takes some time. You may want to batch it out and save some of the dough for later. When you make this, you may want to prepare extra ravioli and freeze them. The sauce will also freeze […]