Soups and Stews

Greek Egg and Lemon Soup (Avgolemono)

Makes 6 to 8 servings Add shredded chicken, sausage, cooked beans, or even some frozen veggies, like peas, to this soup to stretch it a bit. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, if you prefer. Ingredients 6 cups chicken broth 1/3 cup long-grain white rice 4 eggs, separated Salt […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Baby Octopus

Makes 8 servings Braising the octopus gently before you grill it gives it a unique texture. You can save the braising liquid to use as the base for a seafood soup or stew. Serve with hot coconut rice. Ingredients Octopus 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup medium-dice yellow onion 1/2 […]

Side Dishes

Grits with Corn and Hominy

Makes 4 to 6 servings This dish combines three types of corn for a hearty side. Try it for breakfast with a fried egg and plenty of hot sauce. Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large yellow onion, minced (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 cup seeded […]

Allergen Friendly, Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Guacamole

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 5 Hass avocados 1/4 cup lime juice 1 Roma tomato, diced 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste Kosher salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed Directions Soak the red […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Horchata Iced Coffee

Makes 8 servings This horchata and coffee mixture is refreshing and lightly spiced, making it the perfect pick-me-up on those warmer fall days. Adjust the amount or horchata or coffee to your preference, or you can even substitute the brewed coffee for one or two shots of espresso or cold […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Hummus bi Tahini

Makes 1 quart This is a basic hummus recipe that is perfect as is, but is also endlessly customizable. Just like the ones you see in the store, you can top this hummus with anything from olive tapenade to roasted red peppers. Sprinkle the hummus with spice blends, like za’atar, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient Spotlight: Dates

When you are food-minded, thinking about dates makes your heart flutter for a very different reason. Luckily, the dates we have in mind are a bit less awkward and nerve-wracking than the romantic kind. Dates, which are the fruit of the date palm, are one of nature’s sweetest creations. You […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Irish-style Lamb Stew

Makes 10 servings Ingredients 4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into spoon-size pieces 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh thyme 3 fresh parsley stems 4 cups (two 10-ounce bags) pearl onions, blanched and peeled (or frozen) […]

Chef's Blog

Kid-Friendly Lunch Recipe for Back to School

Back-to-school was always my favorite season. I was never a summer kid, and heading back to the classroom meant cooler weather, new Lisa Frank school supplies, and school friends! Since the day I learned how, I don’t think I have stopped talking. At home I had three older brothers who […]