Chef's Notes Plus

Creating Flavored Honey and Maple Syrup

You might be surprised at how many different flavors and qualities of honey there are. And maple syrup, real maple syrup, has a light body and an intense flavor. But, like anything else, there are ways to “gild the lily” for something special. To make a flavored honey or syrup, […]

Beverages and Cocktails, Desserts

Lavender Syrup

Makes 2 cups Lavender syrup adds a floral note to anything you can think to add it to, including lemonade, iced tea, or especially a tasty gin cocktail. Use the syrup to soak cake layers or to sweeten a fruit sorbet. Look for culinary-grade lavender at specialty markets or online. […]

Beverages and Cocktails

No-Egg Nog

Makes 10 to 12 servings Ingredients 2 1/2 cups raw cashews 3 cups water 1 cup cashew, oat, or coconut milk 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 1/4 cup bourbon (optional) Directions In […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Poaching Pears

Apples get an unfair amount of attention during the fall, but pears want to be covered in caramel, too! Pears are kind of the dark-horse of the fall produce scene. Some people don’t like their mealy texture, and we’ve probably all bitten into way more bad pears than bad apples. […]