Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Choosing a Filling for the Best Layer Cakes

You may have tried and true, favorite cake recipes. But once you get the hang of the cake and the fillings, you can mix and match to make dynamic flavor combinations that are uniquely yours and suited to your mood or special event. Two important criteria to consider when choosing […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Christmas Brittle

Where I grew up in New Jersey, there was a local candy shop that sold macadamia nut brittle that was a prized possession in my house. It was, as you can expect, expensive as kids candy went, and my parents/Santa only got it once a year to sneak into our […]

Desserts

Churros

Makes 24 churros Ingredients 1 cup water 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 eggs, beaten Vegetable oil, as needed, for frying Directions Combine the water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. […]

Breakfast and Brunch, Pantry

Classic Puff Pastry

Makes 4 lb Use this dough to make folded pastries, like turnovers, or as the base for a freeform tart. To save extra for later, wrap it up tight and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator the night before you want to use it again. If it’s your first time, this […]

Pies and Tarts

Coconut Cream Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie Ingredients Single crust recipe Pie Dough 3 cups whole milk 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, plus 1/4 cup, toasted 1 cup sugar 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped 1/3 cup cornstarch 2 eggs 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup whipped cream Directions […]

Desserts, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Coffee Ganache

Makes 3 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons powdered instant espresso 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 2/3 cups finely chopped dark chocolate Directions Bring the water to a boil and stir in the instant espresso until smooth. Set aside. Combine the cream and […]

Allergen Friendly, Desserts, Family Fun

Concord Grape Granita

Makes 4-6 Servings Simple Syrup Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cups sugar Directions Combine the water and the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and cool to room temperature. Granita Ingredients 1 cup simple syrup, at room temperature 2 […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Conquer Pie Dough

For many home bakers, creating a flavorful, tender pie or tart crust is a fearful and challenging process filled with questions. How is it that some home bakers consistently produce flaky, crispy, and tender crusts or shells while others consistently find this task so daunting? As pie and tart dough […]

Pies and Tarts

Cookie Crumb Crust

Makes one 9-inch pie or tart pan This master crumb crust recipe can be made with a variety of cookies, including oatmeal, gingersnap, chocolate, and sugar cookies. Be sure to select crispy, dry cookies and avoid soft or filled ones. A crust prepared with them will not hold together and […]

Chef's Blog

Cooking with Kids

Parents, this post is for you. Remember a couple of weeks ago when life was simpler? When your “only” responsibilities were holding down a job and caring for your children, without also running your very own home school?   Through our Sunday Family Fundays here at The CIA at Copia in downtown Napa (currently on pause […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Cream Cheese Dough

Makes 2 discs Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 8 ounces cream cheese, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 tablespoons ice-cold water 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Directions In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Creating Contrasts in Plated Desserts

Since you are a DISH member, we know that you likely have dessert ambitions beyond the classic cookies and coffee. And why shouldn’t you? The world of pastry is exciting and decadent! If you are home channeling your inner pastry chef, designing a composed, or plated, dessert for your next […]