Chef's Blog

Tips for the Perfect Fruit Pie Without a Recipe

In a moment of introspection, it has occurred to us that “pie season” is sort of a disingenuous concept. We are currently in the thick of summer pie season, but also, we are on the tail end of late spring pie season. And before we know it, it will be […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tomato Confit

Makes 10 servings A traditional confit is made with duck legs that are salted, cured, and then simmered in their own fat. What we call tomato “confit” takes license with the name and simply refers to tomatoes that are slow-cooked in a similar way in good- quality olive oil with […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tomato Jam

Makes 2 pints Ingredients 3 pounds tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice Pinch ground cloves Pinch freshly ground black pepper Directions  In a large pot, combine the […]

Main Dishes

Tortelli with Stracchino Cheese and Zucchini

Serves 4 to 6 You can also dice the zucchini very small, sauté them, and mix them into the filling in step 1. Serve with tomato sauce or butter and sage sauce. Ingredients Stracchino Tortelli 12 oz stracchino 1/2 cup fine fresh white bread crumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Try Chilled Soups for Summer

Cold soups refresh the palate, regardless of when in the meal they are served; as first-course offerings, appetizer courses, hors d’oeuvre, or desserts. They may be presented in a variety of ways dependent on the type of gathering or party. For an event where people will be standing (more of […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Try Hibiscus Soda for a Sparkling Summer

It feels like La Croix has somehow become more popular than beer. And while it seems to be available everywhere you go, those of us participating in the great seltzer resurgence of 2019 are from time to time faced with beverages without bubbles. But you don’t have to be part of […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Using an Ice Cream Machine

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet are easy to make with an ice-cream machine. For the best results, let your ice-cream base mixture ripen, or mellow, overnight to be sure it is very cold. An ice-cream machine consists of a canister to hold the ice-cream base and a dasher to […]

Allergen Friendly, Desserts

Vegan Blueberry Buckle

Makes 12 servings Buckle Filling Ingredients 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons evaporated cane sugar 4 tablespoons unsalted margarine or coconut oil 1 teaspoon starch-based egg replacer 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup almond milk, or other non-dairy […]