Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Desserts for Your Passover Table

Baking for Passover involves its own unique set of challenges, as during the Passover period, observers do not consume items that are chametz—that is, any product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has come into contact with water and allowed to “rise.” Just about anything made from […]

Cakes

Devil’s Food Cake

This is the perfect chocolate cake, if we do say so ourselves. Full of rich chocolate flavor with the perfect moist-texture, this cake makes for the ultimate celebration cake when paired with Devil’s Fudge Icing or Italian Buttercream. Ingredients All-purpose flour, for dusting 2 1/2 cups cake flour 1 3/4 […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Diabetes-Friendly Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup

Makes 6 servings We love the added flavor from the spices, sun-dried tomato, and sherry vinegar in this diabetes-friendly black bean soup. Garnish it with some mixed grains and wilted spinach and it becomes addictive. Ingredients 12 ounces dried black beans 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 sachet d’épices (2 […]

Soups and Stews

Dominican-Style Crème de Auyuma (Pumpkin Soup)

This cozy soup gets its creaminess from the rich auyuma squash and a last minute addition of coconut milk. Check your local Latino market for a variety of hard-skinned squashes for the soup. Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 lb white onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 tablespoon minced […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Double Cheese Breakfast Burritos

Makes 6 servings Breakfast burritos are a great make-ahead breakfast that can be frozen and reheated whenever you need a quick grab-and-go meal. These are a bit decadent, but you can simplify (and health-ify) with turkey bacon, mashed avocado, black beans, or even just leftover grilled or roasted veggies. Ingredients […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Dry Taco Seasoning

Makes 1/4 cup Keep this taco seasoning on hand for whenever you want to spice up some ground meat or sautéed vegetables for a wrap. It is lower in sodium than most packaged taco seasonings. Epazote is an herb used in Mexican cooking. It is similar to oregano, so you […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Pantry, Side Dishes

Durum Rosemary Rolls

Makes 22 rolls Found in the pasta aisle of many supermarkets, durum flour—a wheat flour high in protein and gluten strength—contributes a slight yellowish hue to these aromatic rolls. The flavors of chopped rosemary and olive oil conjure up thoughts of the Mediterranean. Whether the dough is shaped into a […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Easy Puff Pastries Without a Recipe

Last minute entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you keep one ingredient stocked in your freezer: puff pastry. Whether homemade or from the store, a sheet of puff pastry can mean breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktail snacks in a matter of minutes. Here’s how! The Dough […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Side Dishes

Eggplant Caponata

Ingredients 1 eggplant (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into small dice 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into small dice 3/4 cup minced onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cups canned diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons basil […]

Main Dishes

Eggplant Caponata Stuffed Shells

Makes 4 to 6 servings This vegan pasta dish is creamy comfort food at its very best. Make all of the components ahead of time, or even assemble the dish a few days before you’re ready to serve it for an ultra-convenient weeknight meal. Serve it alongside prepared marinara sauce, […]