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 […]

Soups and Stews

Chilled Cream of Avocado Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings This easy soup manages to preserve the elusive flavor of the avocado. Use only very ripe avocados for this soup. If you buy avocados that aren’t ripe yet, you can speed the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple and […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Colorful Easter Eggs, Naturally

Dying colorful Easter eggs is such a fun craft (yes, for adults, too!), but if you aren’t a fan of store-bought artificial dyes, you may have been avoiding it. But, like, everything, there’s a way to use food to make the experience better! Namely, making your own dyes from colorful […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Crab and Mushroom Chowder

Makes 8 servings Many supermarkets now carry a greater selection of mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini mushrooms. You can make this delicious chowder using a single variety or a combination. Avoid white mushrooms, though; they don’t have the flavor and texture needed for this hearty soup. Ingredients […]

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 […]

Main Dishes

Farro with Chicken and Chanterelle Ragu

Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 small chicken legs (8 to 10 oz each) Kosher salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 small carrot, chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary 2 teaspoons chopped […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Fava Bean Purée

Makes 3 cups Serve this purée as a dip, alongside spring veggies, crusty bread, or toasted pitas, or as a sauce for grilled fish or roasted chicken. Ingredients 2 lb fresh fava beans 1 cup olive oil Juice of 1 lemon Salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Grilled Artichokes with Romesco Sauce

Makes 5 portions If you’ve never grilled an artichoke, prepare to be hooked. Their unmistakable flavor and creamy flesh is made all the more crave-worthy when slightly charred. It is the ideal accompaniment to savory romesco sauce, but you’ll enjoy it drizzled with tahini, garlic aioli, or even just a […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Lamb Kebobs with Walnut-Herb Sauce

Makes 8 servings Grilled lamb is a nice change of pace from the typical chicken or steak kebobs, and we are especially fond of this combination of lightly marinated lamb shoulder and the flavorful walnut-herb sauce, bright and tangy from lots of lemon. Use the same marinade and pairings for […]