Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making Marzipan Shapes

In many parts of the world, sweet shops produce dazzling marzipan confections shaped and colored to look like fruit fresh from the tree and an array of other tempting shapes. Although the town of Lübeck in Germany is credited with making some of the best marzipans in the world, it […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Manhattan

Makes 1 serving Some might say there is no better start to a classic steakhouse dinner than an ice cold Manhattan. Different bourbons or whiskeys will bring their own qualities to the finished drink, so experiment to see what you like best to create your signature cocktail. Ingredients 2 oz […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Maple Pecan Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The complementary flavors of maple and pecan combine in this pie to create an earthy, buttery, robust dessert. Be sure to purchase Grade B maple syrup as the darker amber color and deeper maple flavor are essential to this pie. In the variation that follows, adding […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie Ingredients All-Butter Pie Crust, unbaked single crust, edges crimped or decorated with cutout shapes 3/4 cup Grade B maple syrup 3 large eggs 1 3/4 cups (one 15 oz can) pumpkin purée 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 […]

Desserts, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Maple Whipped Cream

Makes about 2 cups This quick lightly sweetened whipped cream will be a go-to during fall entertaining and cozy nights on the couch. Serve it alongside pumpkin pie, topping an ice cream sundae with cooked apples and cinnamon, or to make a no-bake icebox cake. Ingredients 1 cup cold heavy […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Marshmallow Easter Treats

Makes about 12 treats (depending on the size of your cookie cutter) Making your favorite store-bought treats at home is fun and tasty! Marshmallows are easy once you get the hang of it. Just make sure to have a thermometer handy. If you don’t like the sugar coating on your […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Martini

Makes 1 serving Dry martinis may have only a few drops of vermouth, while a regular martini has the full 1/2 ounce measure noted here. Be sure to ask your guests how dry they like their martinis before adding the vermouth! Ingredients 3 oz vodka or gin 1/2 oz dry […]

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. […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Mediterranean Cooler

Makes 8 servings Look for bottled pomegranate juice the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets or health food stores. You can substitute other juices for those we recommend here. Grapefruit and cranberry juice makes a Seabreeze. Orange and cranberry makes a Madras. A modest amount of club soda gives the drink […]