Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

4 Recipes to Showcase Sweet Summer Peaches

There are few things more delicious than a juicy peach, and since their season is short, we like to squeeze them in to as many meals as we can. Besides the perfect breakfast treat of peaches + yogurt with something crunchy, or its cocktail hour cousin, goat cheese + peaches […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Brewing Tisanes and Infusions

Everything that can be brewed and is not tea or a coffee bean is known as an infusion (although technically coffee is an infusion, too). Remember, if it does not come from the tea tree, it is technically not tea. There are also herbal teas, but that label is only […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Bubble Tea

Makes 8 servings This bubble milk tea is refreshing and fun to eat, with small tapioca pearls adding a chewy texture to the iced tea-mixture. Use any variety of tea that you prefer, and substitute large tapioca pearls for small for a unique texture.

Pies and Tarts

Chai Vanilla Tart

Makes one tart – 8-10 servings Tart Filling Ingredients 1/3 cup sugar 2 tbsp cornstarch 1 3/4 cups milk 1 egg 2 egg yolks 2 chai tea bags 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Ground cinnamon, as needed Sweetened whipped cream, for topping Directions In a medium bowl, […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Cream Scones

Makes 12 scones These scones develop a wonderful texture if the dough is frozen overnight. Freeze individual scones, and then bake as many as needed straight from the freezer to accompany breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar 3 3/4 cups bread flour 2 tablespoons baking powder 2 teaspoons […]

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 […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient Spotlight: Yaupon Tea

In the deep summer, when the Texas sun beats relentlessly and sends temperatures over 100 degrees day after day, even the heartiest of native plants wilt. But there is one plant that seems to thrive in the toughest of conditions, growing lush and green under the harsh Texas sun. Yaupon […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Masala Chai

Chai is a popular Indian beverage made from black tea, milk, a sweetener, and spices. Mixtures known as chai masala may include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns to give the drink its heady aroma. Some sugar or honey is essential to bring out all the flavors. Makes 8 servings

Beverages and Cocktails

Minty Peach Iced Tea

Makes 6 servings In the heart of summer, we’re always looking for ways to use super ripe peaches that may have gotten way from us, and this quick and easy iced tea is one of the most refreshing. Adjust the sweetness depending on the sweetness of your peaches, and don’t […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Simple Syrup

Keeping a jar of simple syrup in your pantry may seem like a waste of space, but once you have it, you’ll reach for it more than you think. And sure, you can buy a bottle of prepared simple syrup for many dollars, but it’s sort of absurdly easy and […]

Chef's Blog

The Perfect Cup of Tea

We may be a coffee-drinking society, but you can’t underestimate the impact of the millennia-old tradition of drinking tea. And just like coffee, tea can be enjoyed in hundreds (if not thousands!) of ways—yes, even as a latte! All tea comes from the same plant, the Cameliasinensis. The way the […]

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 […]