Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Make a Strata, Without a Recipe

One of the most surprisingly underrated foods is the strata. Made from bread, eggs, milk, and fillings, a strata is a cross between a savory bread pudding and a stuffing (or dressing). It’s an appropriate dish for any meal of the day, endlessly customizable, filling, simple to prepare, and best […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Brûléeing Sugar

The signature of crème brûlée is a crunchy caramelized sugar topping that cracks open to reveal a creamy custard underneath. Brûlée refers to the process of “burning” the sugar and is not exclusive to crème brûlée. In theory, anything can be brûléed—even a steak, if you really wanted to! But […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

A Case for the Electric Kettle

Electric kettles, used primarily for quickly heating water for a nice cup of tea, are not standard in American kitchens, but they are ubiquitous abroad—and we think they’re on to something. Even if you simply use a kettle for tea, it’s a convenience. Because the heating element directly heats the […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Easy Breads for Beginners

It seems like everyone is baking bread right now, and for some reason, if you were to believe everything you see on the internet, sourdough is where we’re supposed to be focusing our energy. And while, sure, a crusty loaf of sourdough is amazing, it is also.. sort of hard? […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Irish Soda Bread

If you’re like countless others who anxiously await St. Patrick’s Day, you have likely already begun to plan your celebration. You’ve rummaged the closet in search of green clothing, decorated your home with shamrocks, and searched countless cookbooks for Irish specialties. Before you finalize your menu, be sure to include […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Last Minute Ingredient Swaps

Everyone knows the frustrating feeling of readying your ingredients, just to realize you’re missing one thing. Sometimes it’s a big thing, like the red wine for wine-braised short ribs, but often it’s an everyday ingredient that we simply forgot to replace.  Most recipes are adaptable, if you have the confidence […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Don’t Cry! It’s Only an Onion

It’s a struggle we all face: onion eyes. Chopping an onion comes with an extra layer of struggle. After your first few draws through the bulb, your eyes may begin to water, burn, maybe even swell a little. What can you do? First, let’s understand why this is happening. Onions […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

How to Roast Peppers for Any Recipe

Roasted peppers are peppers that have been charred all over and then skinned and seeded. Unlike roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts, which we typically enjoy as a side dish or as part of our main meal, roasted peppers tend to act as an ingredient or component in another dish, like […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Pantry Potential: Toasted Breadcrumbs

When you think outside of their everyday uses—as a breading for chicken cutlets or binder in meatloaf—simple prepared breadcrumbs take on a new life and make simple ingredients extra delicious. When cooked quickly in a fat, like olive oil or butter, breadcrumbs not only become more intensely savory and flavorful, […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

How to Scramble Eggs

Scrambled eggs are one of the most popular ways to enjoy eggs, and whether they were fluffy, dry, runny, burned or underdone, we’ve had them every way they come. Luckily, cooking scrambled eggs is easy, with no need to overcomplicate with unusual techniques or lots of extra ingredients. In fact, […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Valentine’s Day Menus to Celebrate Your Way

Valentine’s Day menus tend to showcase foods that to some may feel fussy, extravagant, or just not their style. And while we love oysters and caviar and good Champagne, we’re also big fans of cozy pot pies, stuffed mushrooms, and chocolate in any form. After all, food can be special […]