Soups and Stews

Chilled Cream of Avocado Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings This easy soup manages to preserve the elusive flavor of the avocado. Use only very ripe avocados for this soup. If you buy avocados that aren’t ripe yet, you can speed the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple and […]

Desserts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

Makes 8 servings This may be an icebox cake recipe, but the beauty of an icebox cake is that it requires no recipe. Simple layer your favorite cookie (graham crackers, chocolate chip, snickerdoodles!) with something creamy (pudding, whipped cream, dulce de leche!) and wait until tomorrow. Ingredients 2 cups heavy […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Grill

You don’t need added fuels for cooking on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, of course, but fuel is necessary for grilling, barbecuing, or for spit-roasting over a flame. Some smokers and barbecue pits supply heat to the chamber using electricity or gas, with the smoke […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Choosing Wood for your Grill or Smoker

Smoke is a key component that contributes to the flavor and texture of barbecued meat. Smoke comes from burning wood, either by placing it directly on the coals of a charcoal grill, or in a separate box or chamber in a gas grill or smoker. There is a learning curve […]

Desserts

Coffee Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings Freshly ground coffee gives this Philadelphia-style ice cream a bold flavor. Coffee beans are sold by variety or as a blend, and in varying degrees of “roast,” from a light, or American, roast to inky black and shiny espresso roast. Coarsely grinding […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Compound Butters

Lime Chili Butter, Scallion Butter, and Roasted Garlic Butter are three of our favorite compound butters, which can be used to top grilled meats and vegetables, as a toasted sandwich spread, or as an accompaniment on a brunch table. Create your own variations, adding spices, minced chiles, smoked salt, or […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Compound Butters for Easy Summer Dinners

As grilling season heats up, you may be looking for ways to add flavor to your grilled meats and veggies. Marinades offer endless options, but they require time, which is not always on our side. For a quick and simple addition to your grilling toolbox, consider compound butters. Prepared ahead […]

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 […]

Free Recipes, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Concord Grape Jelly

Makes 4 pints Ingredients 4 lb pounds Concord grapes 1/2 cup water 7 cups sugar 1/4 cup (1 packet) liquid pectin Directions In a large pot, crush the grapes with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat. […]

Allergen Friendly, Free Recipes, Soups and Stews

Corn and Squash Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings The basil is a nice bright flavor in this quick and easy broth, but you can use whatever herb you may have on hand. Substitute zucchini for the yellow squash, if necessary. We like to serve this with puréed roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, if […]

Salads

Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Makes 4 to 6 servings This salad is simple as summer, with the season’s biggest flavor powerhouse ingredients. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course topped with grilled shrimp or stewed  beans. We love it for lunch with a slice of crusty bread to soak up […]

Soups and Stews

Corn Chowder With Chiles & Monterey Jack Cheese

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 1 quart corn kernels, fresh or frozen 1 cup heavy cream 2 slices bacon, minced 1 onion, medium, finely diced 1 red bell pepper, finely diced 1 celery stalk, finely diced 1 garlic clove, minced 1 1/2 quarts chicken broth 3 yellow potatoes, peeled and diced […]