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 […]

Desserts, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mixed Berry Sauce

Makes about 4 cups Ingredients 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh Directions Combine 1 cup of the raspberries, 1 cup of the strawberries, 3/4 cup of the […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

No-Fuss Strawberry Jam

Makes about 2 cups Homemade jam is such a special treat, and a wonderful gift. The process of canning and preserving is overwhelming, but you can skip that step with this recipe. Refrigerate just enough to use for a month or so, and then freeze the rest in plastic containers […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Oven-Roasting Tomatoes

Roasting tomatoes concentrates the bright sweetness of the ripe fruit. You can use roasted tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes in nearly any recipe for added richness, or in recipes that call for canned “fire-roasted” tomatoes. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for oven roasting. Plum tomatoes are a great choice since they […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Planter’s Punch

Makes 1 serving Planter’s Punch was first documented in the New York Times in 1908. The drink’s origins are unknown, but they include connections to the Planter’s Hotel in St. Louis and a planter’s wife in Jamaica. Whatever this delicious creation hails from, this drink can be enjoyed in a […]

Cakes, Desserts

Polenta Cake with Grappa, Berries, and Minted Mascarpone

Makes 6 servings This cake is dense and not too sweet, almost like a sweet cornbread. I like to use coarse polenta so that it also has an interesting texture, but if you have to use regular cornmeal, that works as well. Ingredients Polenta Cake 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at […]