Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Feta Dipping Oil

Makes 10 servings Ingredients 5 oz crumbled feta cheese 2 tablespoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns 1 cup pure olive oil Directions In a medium bowl, toss the feta with the oregano, red pepper flakes, and peppercorns. When ready to serve, place […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Flavored Syrups for Cocktail Hour with a Twist

Making your own infused simple syrup is fun and easy. You can get creative with a variety of herbs or botanicals. How thick you want your syrup to be determines your water to sugar ratio. The standard ratio for sugar to water is 1:1 but you can always add more […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Flavoring Homemade Ice Cream

As the summer settles in, there is no greater joy than a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. No matter your favorite flavor, from simple vanilla to the rockiest rocky road, an ice cream cone is the ultimate way to treat yourself. Near our San Antonio campus, where […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Food Safety Strategies: Temperature Danger Zone

Food safety is of the utmost important in professional kitchens, and there are some basic strategies you can follow in your home kitchen to ensure the food you cook is not just delicious, but also safe from cross-contamination and pathogens. One of the fundamental defenses against pathogens is the observance […]

Chef's Notes Plus

From the Garden: Basil Vinaigrette

I absolutely cannot keep a plant alive. Not even the easy ones, like aloe, even though I really try. The only plant that survives my path of destruction is basil, which is really a yearly tale of resilience. Now it’s mid-August, and for those of us who don’t know how […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Frozen Aperol Spritz

Makes 8 to 10 servings Come summertime, we think any cocktail can be made better by freezing, and the Aperol Spritz is no exception. Though it is perfect just the way it is, experiment with this recipe to make it just right for you! Add fruit juice, berries, or a […]

Desserts

Fruit Gelées

Makes about 120 pieces Fruit gelées are candies that are made from fruit juices or purées. Fruit extracts and oils may be added in small amounts to boost the candies’ flavor. While extracts are available in many supermarkets, you may wish to experiment with oils to expand your repertoire. Many […]

Pies and Tarts

Fudgy Walnut Brownie Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The filling for this pie is reminiscent of a fudgy, dense brownie studded with walnuts and bittersweet chocolate chunks. The crispy chocolate crumb crust is an added bonus in both flavor and texture. If you prefer a moister, denser texture to the filling, bake for 35 […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Garlic Confit Chablis Vinaigrette

Makes 2 cups Ingredients Garlic Confit 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 oz shallots, peeled, halved (about 4 shallots) 8 garlic cloves Vinaigrette 1 cup Chablis or other dry white wine 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 3/4 teaspoons honey 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus as […]

Allergen Friendly, Soups and Stews

Gazpacho

Makes 8 servings This is a very simple, straightforward, no-frills gazpacho recipe. It is tangy and fresh, with a full-bodied texture thanks to a generous pour of olive oil. Experiment with proportions to find your perfect balance. Ingredients 4 lb tomatoes, cored and chopped 2 cups chopped green pepper 2 […]