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 […]

Desserts

Rochers

Makes 25 pieces Rocher is French for “rock,” and these chocolates just might be named that because they do! There is no limit to the possible combinations of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and cereals that can be made into rochers. These are just a few—use your vision to create your […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Romesco Sauce

Makes 1 pint Ingredients 24 hazelnuts 21 almonds 2 cloves garlic 2 slices baguette, about ½-in thick 3 red bell peppers 2 plum tomatoes 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roast hazelnuts, almonds, garlic, and […]

Salads

Shaved Fennel, Arugula, Avocado, and Orange Salad

Makes 12 servings This recipe makes a salad to serve a crowd, but you can half the recipe for a great lunch or dinner any day of the week. Take advantage of in-season winter citrus and try different varieties of oranges or tangerines. Ingredients 3 bulbs fennel, shaved 4 very […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Spiced Roasted Almonds

Makes 2 cups These are the perfect recipe to make in bulk at the beginning of the week for a good mid-afternoon desk snack. The spices are really more of a suggestion, so experiment with what you like best. Add chipotle chile powder for a smoky kick, or garam masala […]