Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Cheese Plate

As a last course, a composed plate of one cheese with one or more accompaniments can be a nice alternative to a sweet dessert. And, of course, nothing makes for a perfect party more than a cheese board for grazing. A variety of approaches can be taken when creating a […]

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 […]

Chef's Blog

The Foods of Día de Los Muertos

You might think with a name like Día de los Muertos—or Day of the Dead—the Mexican holiday would be a somber one. But you would be wrong, because when celebrating Día de los Muertos, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans throw their biggest and best parties. As they say in Mexico, they throw […]

Chef's Notes Plus

The Perfect Cocktail for a Taste of Spring

As we ease on down that road toward spring, you might start dipping your toe back into outdoor living. It starts with two minutes of staring into the sunshine before you huddle back under the blanket, but before you know it, you’ll be reading your newspaper al fresco with a […]

Chef's Blog

Tips for the Perfect Fruit Pie Without a Recipe

In a moment of introspection, it has occurred to us that “pie season” is sort of a disingenuous concept. We are currently in the thick of summer pie season, but also, we are on the tail end of late spring pie season. And before we know it, it will be […]

Chef's Blog

Tips for Throwing a Scaled-Down Thanksgiving

2020 has been unique, to put it mildly. As the months pass, we’ve found ways to adapt, discovering fresh routines in this new normal. But with the holidays quickly approaching, we’re being challenged to rethink decades of traditions for scaled down celebrations. Thanksgiving is the Foodie Super Bowl, but this […]

Chef's Blog

Traditional New Year’s Eve Oysters

Across much of the world, oysters are an iconic New Year food tradition, but especially in France, where pop-up oyster stalls emerge throughout Paris to supply the city with this holiday staple. Few foods are as polarizing as oysters. Diners either passionately endorse the intake of these bivalves or are […]

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 […]

Cookies, Desserts

Turtle Bars

Makes one 9-in by 13-in pan You can use any nuts to finish this bar—pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even a mixture. Ingredients Shortbread Crust 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 7 oz (14 tablespoons) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Brownie Filling […]

Soups and Stews

Tuscan White Onion Soup

Makes 1 1/2 quarts This soup is a winter favorite. It pairs one of our favorite spices, cardamom, with white onions, crispy prosciutto, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano for a combination of sweet, salty, and buttery that will knock your socks off. Ingredients Soup 1/4 cup olive oil or unsalted butter 2 […]