Chef's Blog

Grilling Seafood—Insider’s tips from CIA Chefs

Seafood lovers! You don’t want to miss the joys of grilling this summer! With just a few tips and tricks from our seasoned CIA chefs, your next barbeque is sure to go swimmingly! Chef Sandy Sauter A clean and well-seasoned (with oil) grill is crucial for seafood, since it tends […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Grilling with Cedar Planks

Fish that is grilled on a cedar plank is imparted with the smoke of the grill and the woodsy flavors from the cedar, giving it incredible depth of flavor. For variety, you can use hickory, mesquite, or even a fruit tree wood like apple or cherry. The planks don’t last […]

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

Grilling with the Whole Family!

It’s grilling season, and we wanted to remind you that grilling can be a family activity—even if Dad thinks he’s the grill-master! Grilling is an easy, quick, nutritious, and flavorful way to cook lean pieces of meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Wood, gas, or charcoal heats the grill bars and […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Guide to Radishes (and What To Do With Them)

When I first moved to the United States from Germany, where I grew up and began my career, I was surprised at how little radishes are used in American cuisine. They are, to me, delicious! Not to mention inexpensive, long-lasting, and full of nutrients. Radishes are root vegetables of which […]

Main Dishes

Halibut with Summer Vegetables

Makes 4 servings We love an easy recipe to use up our favorite summer farmers’ market finds, like summer squashes and tomatoes, and this fits the bill. This dish comes together in 20 minutes, and it’s perfect served alongside a nice green salad and some crusty bread. Feel free to […]

Desserts

Hawaiian-Style Shave Ice

Makes 4 servings There are machines you can buy to make shave ice, but if you don’t have one, you can use your food processor! Make the ice at the last minute to keep it nice and fluffy. For a party, make several varieties of syrup so guests can mix […]

Salads

Hearts of Artichoke Salad

Makes 4 servings Artichoke hearts are tender and delicious and pair perfectly with the sharp red onion, briny kalamata olives, and sweet tomatoes. Ingredients 4 fresh or frozen artichoke hearts 1 lemon, halved 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper […]

Free Recipes, Salads

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Green Vinaigrette

Makes 4 to 6 servings The beauty of summer tomatoes is that they need virtually no accompaniment to be delicious. That’s why this salad, inspired by the menu at Savor, on our San Antonio campus, uses just a few of our favorite flavors to bring out the best in our […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Hibiscus Margarita

Makes 1 serving This isn’t your every day margarita! Dried hibiscus is used to make tea in Mexico and the Caribbean, and we love it for its floral, slightly tart flavor. It’s perfect as the base of a margarita that is a touch sour and just sweet enough to be […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Hibiscus-Ginger Soda

Makes 4 to 6 servings Hibiscus tea (which is the primary ingredient in this soda) is slightly bitter, a little tart, and not at all sweet, so we balance it with a touch of honey. You can also serve simple syrup on the side for guests to sweeten, as they […]