Chef's Notes Plus

All About Flour

We’ve all been baking a lot while we’re stuck at home, and the demand for all-purpose flour is leading to empty shelves and empty pantries. Luckily, all-purpose flour is only one option among many, and specialty flours are more likely to be available at your local market. Let’s explore the […]

Chef's Notes Plus

All About Roux

If you’re feeling the spirit of Mardi Gras, you may be inspired to try your hand at a Cajun or Creole recipe, like gumbo or shrimp etouffee. The key to many of these flavorful, complex dishes is the roux, a cooked flour and fat mixture that thickens, colors, and flavors […]

Desserts

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Ingredients 1 cup vegetable oil 6 large eggs 3 cups sugar 1 – 15oz can pumpkin pie filling 1 – 15oz can pumpkin 1-1/2 tsps. pumpkin pie spice 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 cup oat flour 2-2/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour 2 cups Pumpkin spice/Cinnamon sugar Directions In a […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Béchamel Sauce

Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup minced yellow onion 5 cups milk, warm Salt, as needed Ground black or white pepper, as needed Freshly grated nutmeg, as needed (optional) Directions In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil and butter. […]

Desserts

Blitz Puff Pastry

Makes 2 pounds of dough There are a few ways to make ultra-flaky puff pastry, but this one is the quickest (that’s why it’s called blitz!). The layers in puff pastry are a result of folding the dough four times. We included a photo at the end to show you what […]

Soups and Stews

Cheddar and Beer Soup

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup canola oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups Vegetable Stock 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup minced yellow onion 1 cup small-dice white mushrooms 1/2 cup small-dice celery 1/2 cup small-dice carrot 1 garlic clove, minced One 12-oz bottle beer 2 tablespoons dry mustard […]

Desserts

Chocolate Éclairs

Makes 12 éclairs The shape of a baked éclair depends upon the shape it is given before baking. It is easiest to make a nice, round éclair using a pastry bag, but you can also drop the batter from a spoon. Use a table knife dipped in water to smooth […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Cream Cheese Dough

Makes 2 discs Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 8 ounces cream cheese, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 tablespoons ice-cold water 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Directions In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted […]

Soups and Stews

Cream Of Broccoli Soup

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb broccoli, separated into stems and florets, stems peeled 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 leek, white and light green parts, chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 6 cups vegetable stock or chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Culinary School: How to Make Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel is classical white sauce that is made with milk thickened with a roux. Blond roux is traditionally used, and the amount of roux will determine the sauce’s consistency.  Vegetables or aromatics are sometimes added to strengthen the flavor, but they are normally strained out after cooking to preserve the […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Easy Breads for Beginners

It seems like everyone is baking bread right now, and for some reason, if you were to believe everything you see on the internet, sourdough is where we’re supposed to be focusing our energy. And while, sure, a crusty loaf of sourdough is amazing, it is also.. sort of hard? […]