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, […]

Allergen Friendly, Salads

Fennel Salad With Blood Orange Vinaigrette

This simple preparation is full of big flavors. Crisp fennel, onion, and celery make for a refreshing salad paired with the sweet and slightly tart juice of the blood orange. Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 3 stalks celery, thinly […]

Allergen Friendly, Main Dishes

Fish Poached In Fennel-Orange Broth

This all-purpose poaching liquid is well-suited to a number of fish, so choose what is freshest at your market. Makes 4 servings Ingredients 4 teaspoons almond oil 1 lb 8 oz fish fillet, such as flounder or salmon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups […]

Cakes

Flourless Chocolate Soufflé Cake

Makes one 8-inch cake Ingredients 5 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing 10 large eggs (divided use) 2/3 cup sugar (divided use) 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional) Directions Preheat the oven to 375°F. […]

Chef's Notes Plus

From the Garden: Basil Vinaigrette

I absolutely cannot keep a plant alive. Not even the easy ones, like aloe, even though I really try. The only plant that survives my path of destruction is basil, which is really a yearly tale of resilience. Now it’s mid-August, and for those of us who don’t know how […]

Allergen Friendly, Soups and Stews

Gazpacho

Makes 8 servings This is a very simple, straightforward, no-frills gazpacho recipe. It is tangy and fresh, with a full-bodied texture thanks to a generous pour of olive oil. Experiment with proportions to find your perfect balance.

Side Dishes

Glazed Beets

Sometimes simple is best, and these classic glazed beets are a sweet, slightly tangy side dish suited for any dinner. Leftover beets can be tossed in a simple green salad or chopped and added to a warm grain bowl. Ingredients 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided use 1 lb 4 […]

Soups and Stews

Greek Egg and Lemon Soup (Avgolemono)

Makes 6 to 8 servings Add shredded chicken, sausage, cooked beans, or even some frozen veggies, like peas, to this soup to stretch it a bit. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, if you prefer. Ingredients 6 cups chicken broth 1/3 cup long-grain white rice 4 eggs, separated Salt […]

Side Dishes

Grits with Corn and Hominy

Makes 4 to 6 servings This dish combines three types of corn for a hearty side. Try it for breakfast with a fried egg and plenty of hot sauce. Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large yellow onion, minced (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 cup seeded […]

Allergen Friendly, Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Guacamole

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 5 Hass avocados 1/4 cup lime juice 1 Roma tomato, diced 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste Kosher salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed Directions Soak the red […]