Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Tips for Frying on the Stove

It’s safe to bet that most of us don’t have deep fryers ready and waiting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pan- or deep-fry items for a crispy, crunchy, golden brown exterior. Frying on the stovetop is safe and easy with these tips in mind: Heat the correct amount of […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Piping with a Pastry Bag and Tips

Pastry bags and tips are great tools to have in the kitchen. They make it easy to add fillings to pastries and cakes as well as to shape doughs like pâte à choux uniformly. Cloth and vinyl bags can be washed and reused. Disposable bags are inexpensive and work equally […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

How to Store Chocolate

Chocolate is a very stable product and has a long shelf life when properly stored. Under proper conditions, dark chocolate has a shelf life of twelve months, and milk or white chocolate will keep for six months. Some simple precautions will ensure that your chocolate is in pristine condition when […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making a Stew Without a Recipe

At it’s very most basic, a stew is bite-sized pieces of food cooked in a liquid, generally over low heat for an extended period. You can stew meat, poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit—virtually anything—in broth, wine, beer, vinegar. Again, virtually anything. Stews are kitchen workhorses. You can make big batches […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Cooking Dried Chickpeas

Why cook dried chickpeas? Simple: They’re hands-down better than canned. Here’s how to make perfect chickpeas every time. And remember, beans of all kinds are great to freeze and use later, so make a big batch! Ingredients 1 lb dried chickpeas 1 peeled onion, halved 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Should You Make Your Own Breadcrumbs?

Should you make your own breadcrumbs? Like all cooking questions, there is no right answer. So, sometimes! Store brought breadcrumbs are convenient. They are ready when you need them, and they get the job done.  That said, store-bought breadcrumbs are stale and powdery and, as a coating, can have a […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

15 Plant-Forward Fall Recipes

As the fall rolls in, you can put on some sweatpants and curl up with a cozy blanket. But you also need to nourish your belly with the flavors of the season. We’ve made a list of some of our best fall recipes which just happen to be plant-forward. Kale, […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Gnocchi

Gnocchi may have a longer history than pasta in Italy. A cookbook from the fourteenth century includes a recipe for gnocchi made by mashing together cheese and egg and mixing them with flour to make a dumpling. Today, you can find gnocchi made from potatoes, semolina, polenta, squash, ricotta, and […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient Spotlight: Plantains

Plantains are a versatile and nutritious fruit that is a staple in many tropical regions around the world. Belonging to the banana family, plantains are often mistaken for their cousin but have distinct characteristics that set them apart. These starchy fruits are typically larger and firmer than regular bananas, with […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Beer 101: A Glossary of Beer Terms

Whether you already love beer or are beginning the journey to learning (and tasting!) more, having a grasp on beer lingo is the surest way to find the brew for you. Reference our handy beer lovers’ glossary so you’re never unprepared! Adjunct – A loose definition refers to un-malted grains […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Tips for Creamy, Cozy Plant-Forward Soups

Chicken noodle soup and minestrone are great, but there are few things more crave-worthy than a creamy, rich, and hearty soup. Of course, the ingredients that make those soups so tasty—cream, butter, cheese, beef—are not always high on our list of healthy ingredients, or you might follow a vegan diet. […]