Chef's Notes Plus

Simple Syrup

Keeping a jar of simple syrup in your pantry may seem like a waste of space, but once you have it, you’ll reach for it more than you think. And sure, you can buy a bottle of prepared simple syrup for many dollars, but it’s sort of absurdly easy and […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Simple Tomato Sauce

Makes 4 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 qt canned whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juices Kosher salt, as needed Directions Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, […]

Main Dishes

Slow-Cooker Sauerbraten

Makes 4 to 6 servings Though it takes a few days, this classic German recipe is primarily hands-off, meaning the tangy marinade and slow-cooker do all the work for you. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can treat this recipe like a typical braise: in Step 3, transfer […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Soft Pretzels

Makes 4 large pretzels Big pretzels are easier to shape, but if you would like more than 4 big pretzels, you can make eight that are half-as-big. The resting and baking times will be shorter, so just keep an eye on them. Ingredients Dough 2 cups bread flour 1 1/2 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Soups and Stews for Chilly Nights Ahead

The week after Thanksgiving is the unofficial start of winter, as far as we’re concerned. With twinkling lights appearing around the neighborhood and the smell of fireplaces crackling in the distance, there is nothing greater than a pot of soup or stew simmering on the stovetop. Try one of our […]

Cakes, Desserts

Sour Cream Pound Cakes with Chocolate-Cherry Glaze

Makes 3 cakes Ingredients 4 1/2 cups cake flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature 8 eggs, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cup sour cream 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, room temperature 2 1/4 cups sugar 1/3 cup honey 2 teaspoons […]

Breakfast and Brunch, Main Dishes, One-Dish Meals

Spanish Potato Omelet

Makes 8 servings This dish uses a lot of eggs, but it makes for a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so they won’t go to waste. Halve the recipe, if you like, but use a smaller skillet. We normally serve this dish with an aioli, but you can use prepared […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Spicy Kimchi Stew with Pork

Makes 8 portions Kimchi is salty, a little sour, and sure, sort of funky, but definitely in a great way. This fermented chile-rubbed cabbage and scallion mixture is a great base for dishes, like this stew, and the easiest side to add some new flavors to old favorites, like roast […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad

Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, remove all the seeds, and cut into thin slices. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the lime juice, sugar, salt, chiles, and onions, and marinate for 15 minutes. Add the mint, cilantro, and peanuts, toss, and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Makes about 8 servings The key to this perfect summer refresher is great watermelon, so if your melon is a dud, you may want to try something else. Of course, you can also make the same mixture with cantaloupe or pineapple (or basically any other fruit!), so pick what’s tastiest […]