Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

5 Recipes for Late-Summer Dinners

In August, we start to see the end of summer produce. But those last fruits and veggies to ripen in the summer sun just happen to be some of our favorites to cook! Whether you’re swimming in tomatoes, eggplant, or peaches, let these recipes inspire you for the last of […]

Chef's Notes Plus

All About Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a grilling basic. There are plenty of good barbecue sauces that you can buy, but they are easy to make at home in large enough amounts to last for a couple of weeks of grilling. You can double or triple any of our favorite recipes, like Classic, […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Asian Glazed Flank Steak

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 2 flank steaks (3 to 3 1/2 lb total) 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup mirin 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce Directions Trim any excess fat from the flank steak. To make the marinade: Combine the soy sauce, honey, […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Barbecue Buzzwords

If you’re curious about barbecue, you’re likely to hear certain terms over and over. Here’s our guide to basic barbecue buzz words that will help you on your barbecue journey. The Smoke Ring One quality indicator in barbecue is the “smoke ring.” This is a pink or red ring around […]

Main Dishes

Barbecued Pulled Pork Pizza

Makes two 12-inch pizzas Leftover pulled pork can be used to make a very tasty and unique pizza. A little pork (about 1 1/2 cups) is enough for 4 to 5 portions. Using a charcoal grill will give your pizza a wood-fired flavor and character. To use this method, ignite […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Barbecuing 101

These early days of summer are not like the ones we’ve known in the past, and the added stress and anxiety, coupled with not being able to have fun with our friends and family, is a lot for anyone to handle. We’re searching for a silver lining, and of course, […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Beef Jerky

Makes about 1/2 lb (about 10 servings) Drying beef was once a necessity for preserving meat. Today, dried beef is enjoyed as a delicious snack food. This smoked version is very simple to make, but it also works well to dehydrate the beef in a low-temperature oven or in a […]

Allergen Friendly, Grilling

Beef Skewers With Green Chile Sauce

Makes 8 servings Beef Skewers Ingredients 8 (8-inch) bamboo skewers 3 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 cup light soy sauce, not low-sodium 1 tablespoon finely chopped palm sugar 6 cilantro roots, finely chopped (see note) 2 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon white peppercorns 1 tablespoon minced galangal […]

Pantry

Berbere Spice Paste

Makes 2 3/4 cups Berbere is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend made with chiles, warming spices, fenugreek, and other aromatic ingredients. Use this paste to rub meats, poultry, and fish before grilling. Ingredients 4 pequin chiles, seeds and stem removed 2 teaspoons cardamom seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Big Game-Day Foodie Face-Off

You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy The Big Game, especially when there’s a great spread. Chips and dip, fried foods, and pigs in a blanket are all favorites, but we love the tradition of serving regional foods from the competing teams. This year, we’re looking to (in […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Brines for Tender and Flavorful Meats

Curing meats, poultry, and fish in a salt and water solution is known as brining or wet curing. Brining provides depth in flavor, tenderness, and a moister final product. The base of a brine is salt and water, and sometimes sugar. Kosher salt is preferred because it doesn’t have any […]

Salads

Brussels Sprout Slaw

Makes 6 servings This slaw is simple to assemble, but big on flavor. The richness of the mayo and acidity from the juice helps to balance the strong, salty flavors of the fish sauce for a dish that perfectly complements grilled meat, fish, and veggies. Ingredients 2 lb Brussels sprouts […]