Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making Marzipan Shapes

In many parts of the world, sweet shops produce dazzling marzipan confections shaped and colored to look like fruit fresh from the tree and an array of other tempting shapes. Although the town of Lübeck in Germany is credited with making some of the best marzipans in the world, it […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Maple Pecan Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The complementary flavors of maple and pecan combine in this pie to create an earthy, buttery, robust dessert. Be sure to purchase Grade B maple syrup as the darker amber color and deeper maple flavor are essential to this pie. In the variation that follows, adding […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Marshmallow Easter Treats

Makes about 12 treats (depending on the size of your cookie cutter) Making your favorite store-bought treats at home is fun and tasty! Marshmallows are easy once you get the hang of it. Just make sure to have a thermometer handy. If you don’t like the sugar coating on your […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Matzo Ball Soup for Passover

Matzo Ball Soup is as personal as your favorite old pajamas, and no pair will ever be as good as yours. Just like any traditional comfort food, there are endless variations and personalization, and while we have one we go-to, we’ve truthfully never met a matzo ball we didn’t love. […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Matzo Brei

Makes 4 servings Matzo brei is a simple Jewish comfort food that’s popular at Passover, or really any time of year! Every family makes this dish a little bit differently, and while we like to fry the matzo until it is crisp and toasty, you may prefer to leave it […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Meltaways to Celebrate your BFF!

The best part of Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is celebrating the people we love—whether that’s our parents, our brothers and sisters, girlfriends and boyfriends, or just our besties! And, sure, we think part of celebrating your BFFs is doing something fun, a special little treat can certainly help. We […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

On-The Go Bites for Wherever LDW Takes You

Marking the unofficial end up summer is always bittersweet. Summer is special, and we think it deserves one last farewell bash this Labor Day Weekend. Whether you’re firing up the grill or taking the party to the beach, here are a few of our favorite savory bites, sweet treats, and […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Opt for Cider this Presidents’ Day

The CIA loves beer so much, we have an outpost of the Brooklyn Brewery right on our campus in Hyde Park, New York! For beer enthusiasts, there is an adventure in every bottle as we search for the qualities that make each beer unique: malt, hops, technique, inclusions of fruit […]