Chef's Notes Plus

4th of July Side Dishes to Steal the Show

Either you’re the person who waits all year for a grilled hot dog or burger, or you’re the person testing the limits of those paper plates with a scoop of every side dish, because nothing beats a good potato salad. Of course, no food decision is a bad decision, so […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Side Dishes

Baba Ganoush

Makes 1 quart The puréed eggplant gives a silky smooth texture to this baba ghanoush. Enjoy it as a dip for vegetables or serve with pita bread. Its versatility makes it a natural candidate to put out on a meze table alongside other dips and spreads. Ingredients 2 large eggplants […]

Salads

Brussels Sprout Slaw

Makes 6 servings This slaw is simple to assemble, but big on flavor. The richness of the mayo and acidity from the juice helps to balance the strong, salty flavors of the fish sauce for a dish that perfectly complements grilled meat, fish, and veggies. Ingredients 2 lb Brussels sprouts […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies

Makes eight 4 1/2-inch round hand pies The slightly tangy cream cheese filling complements the acidity of the fruit in this hand pie. The cream cheese crust is tender yet durable, making these pies perfectly portable.

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Cream Cheese Dough

Makes 2 discs Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 8 ounces cream cheese, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 tablespoons ice-cold water 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Directions In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Grilling for a Crowd of 4th of July

Grilling for a party always sounds fun, but inevitably, it ends up being stressful. Your chicken takes forever to cook, the burgers fall apart on the grill, or you over- (or under) cook those beautiful steaks you splurged on. This 4thof July, go easy on yourself and plan a menu […]

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 […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Red, White Chocolate, and Blue Bark

Sometimes cooking is about the journey, not the destination. That is especially true when cooking with kids, and particularly when cooking with kids who have been inside a lot these last few months. For the Fourth of July this year, we’re keeping it simple—and fun!—with some candy crafting. White chocolate […]

Pies and Tarts

Roasted Ginger Plum Tart with Nut Streusel

This tart makes the best of in-season plums, but you can substitute any stone fruit, like halved cherries, apricots, or nectarines. Makes one 9-inch tart Ingredients Vanilla Tart Dough, fitted into a 9-inch tart pan and chilled 1 1/2 lb plums (7 to 8 medium), rinsed, halved, and pitted 1/2 […]