Chef's Notes Plus

4th of July Side Dishes to Steal the Show

Either you’re the person who waits all year for a grilled hot dog or burger, or you’re the person testing the limits of those paper plates with a scoop of every side dish, because nothing beats a good potato salad. Of course, no food decision is a bad decision, so […]

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

Baba Ganoush

Makes 1 quart The puréed eggplant gives a silky smooth texture to this baba ghanoush. Enjoy it as a dip for vegetables or serve with pita bread. Its versatility makes it a natural candidate to put out on a meze table alongside other dips and spreads. Ingredients 2 large eggplants […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Blood Orange Margarita

If you’re looking for drama, blood orange juice is reliable for lending a burst of color and a pop of flavor to any party. Adjust the sweetness to your preferences with simple syrup, and blend the mixture with ice if you like your margarita frozen. Luckily, there’s no wrong way.

Salads, Side Dishes

Brussels Sprout Salad with Dried Cranberries

Makes 8 to 10 servings This simple salad is full of quintessential fall flavors and is a fresh and bright addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Prepare the dressing and Brussels sprouts a day ahead, if you like, but wait to toss the salad until an hour or so before serving.

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 […]

Sandwiches

Butifarra (Traditional Peruvian Ham Sandwich)

Makes about 24 sandwiches This recipe makes quite a bit of ham, so you may have leftovers (unless you have 24 hungry people to feed!). You can tightly wrap any remaining pork and freeze for later, if you like. You can find Peruvian-style chile pastes (we use ají panca and […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies

Makes eight 4 1/2-inch round hand pies The slightly tangy cream cheese filling complements the acidity of the fruit in this hand pie. The cream cheese crust is tender yet durable, making these pies perfectly portable. Ingredients Two recipes Cream Cheese Dough, chilled 2 cups (12 oz) Morello or Montmorency […]

Allergen Friendly, Salads, Side Dishes

Chicken Salad with Tomato and Cucumber

Makes 6 Servings Ingredients 1/2 cup small-dice onions 2 cups medium-dice English cucumber 2 cups medium-dice seeded plum tomatoes 2 cups medium-dice cooked chicken breast 1/4 cup rough chop cilantro leaves and stems 3 tablespoons olive oil Juice of 2 lemons 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste if needed […]

Free Recipes, Main Dishes

Chicken-Fried Turkey with Cranberry Relish

Makes 8 servings Inspired by the German influences on regional cuisine, this chicken-friend turkey is our take on an untraditional central Texas-inspired Thanksgiving dish. We made a tangy cranberry relish in place of savory and tart braised cabbage, which is perfectly matched for anything you might find on your holiday […]

Salads

Chilled Asparagus With Mustard Herb Vinaigrette

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb asparagus 2 tablespoons white wine or cider vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped flat leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon chopped tarragon leaves Salt and pepper as needed Dash of onion powder Dash of garlic powder 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions Bring a […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Classic Barbecue Sauce

Makes 3 cups sauce This is a classic mild, sweet-style barbecue sauce with a very slight acidity that gives the flavor balance. It is a good, thick, general-use, red barbecue sauce that works well with chicken, beef, and pork. Ingredients 2 tablespoons corn oil 1/2 cup minced onion 2 cups […]

Salads

Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Makes 4 to 6 servings This salad is simple as summer, with the season’s biggest flavor powerhouse ingredients. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course topped with grilled shrimp or stewed  beans. We love it for lunch with a slice of crusty bread to soak up […]