Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

6 Recipes to Celebrate the Best of Spring

Spring is a reason to celebrate! New life, the return of sunshine, and some of the year’s very best ingredients. It may happen more slowly in some parts of the country, but as your market begin to fill up with asparagus, green onions, and sweet strawberries, look to these recipes […]

Main Dishes, Side Dishes

Asparagus with Chanterelles

Makes 5 servings This dish works well with either white or green asparagus. The time of year will determine which one you choose—it is in season in the spring. If you are lucky, you will find both in the store and you can prepare either. White asparagus is covered while […]

Soups and Stews

Asparagus-Edamame Bisque

Makes about 2 quarts This creamy soup is silky-smooth, with light, delicate flavors just perfect for those early spring days. Since frozen beans are often more available than fresh, it’s perfectly fine to use them in this soup. Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups thinly sliced leeks 2 shallots, […]

Main Dishes

Baked Smoked Salmon Gnocchi with Asparagus

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 1 cup whole milk 3 oz (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, plus more as needed for baking dish Kosher salt, as needed Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional) 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 8 oz smoked salmon, processed to a paste 3 large eggs 18 asparagus spears (about […]

Salads

Chilled Asparagus With Mustard Herb Vinaigrette

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb asparagus 2 tablespoons white wine or cider vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped flat leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon chopped tarragon leaves Salt and pepper as needed Dash of onion powder Dash of garlic powder 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions Bring a […]

Chef's Notes Plus

How To: Cook Asparagus

When the local crop of asparagus first starts to trickle into the market, we can’t wait to get it home. Tender and sweet, asparagus is wildly versatile and easy to cook, making it a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Asparagus can be sold in several sizes, from pencil-thin and […]

Main Dishes

Individual Lasagnas with Spring Vegetables

Makes 4 servings Get your kids or guests to help assemble the lasagnas. Let each “sous chef” add one ingredient—noodles, purée, veggies—to the plate. If you can’t find whole grain lasagna noodles, conventional dry lasagna noodles will work just fine. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 1 bunch (approximately 1 pound) […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Make the Most of Spring Farm Stand Season

It’s spring, and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s been a snowy winter on our Hyde Park, NY campus, and we have been eager to dig out of the mess to find the sun. When the calendar turns in our favor, there is only one thing on our minds: farm […]