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.

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 […]

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 […]

Desserts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

Makes 8 servings This may be an icebox cake recipe, but the beauty of an icebox cake is that it requires no recipe. Simple layer your favorite cookie (graham crackers, chocolate chip, snickerdoodles!) with something creamy (pudding, whipped cream, dulce de leche!) and wait until tomorrow. Ingredients 2 cups heavy […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Grill

You don’t need added fuels for cooking on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, of course, but fuel is necessary for grilling, barbecuing, or for spit-roasting over a flame. Some smokers and barbecue pits supply heat to the chamber using electricity or gas, with the smoke […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Choosing Wood for your Grill or Smoker

Smoke is a key component that contributes to the flavor and texture of barbecued meat. Smoke comes from burning wood, either by placing it directly on the coals of a charcoal grill, or in a separate box or chamber in a gas grill or smoker. There is a learning curve […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Cleaning Soft Shelled Crab

Soft shelled crab is a summertime delicacy with a short season and limited availability, so when the time comes, you have to be ready! Soft shelled crabs are typical “hard shell” crabs that are caught and prepared during their molting phase. In preparation for shedding, the crab develops a thin, […]

Desserts

Coffee Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings Freshly ground coffee gives this Philadelphia-style ice cream a bold flavor. Coffee beans are sold by variety or as a blend, and in varying degrees of “roast,” from a light, or American, roast to inky black and shiny espresso roast. Coarsely grinding […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Compound Butters

Lime Chili Butter, Scallion Butter, and Roasted Garlic Butter are three of our favorite compound butters, which can be used to top grilled meats and vegetables, as a toasted sandwich spread, or as an accompaniment on a brunch table. Create your own variations, adding spices, minced chiles, smoked salt, or […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Compound Butters for Easy Summer Dinners

As grilling season heats up, you may be looking for ways to add flavor to your grilled meats and veggies. Marinades offer endless options, but they require time, which is not always on our side. For a quick and simple addition to your grilling toolbox, consider compound butters. Prepared ahead […]