Chef's Notes Plus

10 Plant-Forward Lunch Recipes

If you’re still a member of the work-from-home club, we suspect you’re running out of practical lunch ideas. And, if you’re anything like us, that might mean your take-out burrito average may be higher than usual. We’ve been looking to our favorite plant-forward lunch recipes these days, especially ones that […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

5 Cool Recipes to Help Beat the Heat

It’s a scorcher out there! And when the weather is extra warm, our favorite dinners can start to seem awfully…hot (looking at you, spaghetti). To beat the heat, we’re rounded up some of our favorite recipes to enjoy under a strong fan. There may be some quick cooking involved, but […]

Allergen Friendly, Main Dishes, Salads

Banh Mi-Inspired Chicken Salad

Makes 6 servings Banh mi is a ubiquitous Vietnamese sandwich that reflects the cuisine’s French influence, with roasted pork, pork pâté, pickled vegetables, and lots and lots of herbs filling a baguette-style roll. This salad takes inspiration from the sandwich, with herby tender greens, pickled veggies, and crisp French bread […]

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.

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Carpaccio? Pass the Radishes!

Obviously, we love cooking. At the CIA, it’s in our shared DNA to boil, braise, baste, and bake. But when it comes to realizing the full potential of our ingredients, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, raw is sometimes the answer. If you’ve been to a grocery store or farmers’ market […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Chayote Salad with Oranges

Makes 10 servings Chayote is a tender-skinned squash common in Latin American cuisine. It is mild in flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. If it isn’t stocked by your local market, you should be able to find it at a specialty market. Ingredients 3 chayotes, peeled and thinly […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]