Chef's Notes Plus

From the Garden: Basil Vinaigrette

I absolutely cannot keep a plant alive. Not even the easy ones, like aloe, even though I really try. The only plant that survives my path of destruction is basil, which is really a yearly tale of resilience. Now it’s mid-August, and for those of us who don’t know how […]

Main Dishes

Grilled Tofu with Eggplant and Parmesan

Makes 4 servings The secret to grilling tofu is to first press it until most of its moisture comes out. Layer it between paper towels while pressing it and change the towels as they get wet (see the recipe for a photo). The smokiness from grilling eggplant and tofu adds […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient Spotlight: Basil

Basil comes in many different varieties: Thai, Genovese, holy, opal, purple, and more. No matter what specific type of basil you are using, be sure to smell it first. The basil should have a pungent, aromatic smell that almost “tickles” the inside of your nose. Basil can be simply cleaned […]

Main Dishes

Lasagna With Eggplant, Tomato & Mozzarella

Serves 6 Fried Eggplant Ingredients 2 lb eggplant Kosher salt, as needed Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed for frying Tomato-Basil Sauce Ingredients 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 qt canned whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juices Kosher salt, as needed […]

Chef's Notes Plus

New Video: Making Quick Pickles

July is Oh No All my Cucumbers Grew at the Same Time What Do I Do with Them month, and there is only one answer to that: Pickles! In this video, DISH editor Laura shows you exactly how easy it is to make refrigerator pickles and talks you through some […]

Soups and Stews

Pacific Seafood Chowder

Makes 8 servings This is a favorite cold-day recipe from The Cuisines of the Americas at The Culinary Institute of America. Use whatever fresh fish and seafood you’d like, including clams, mussels, lobster, or cod. Ingredients 3/4 cup dry white wine 1 sachet d’epices, including 1 crushed garlic clove, one […]

Salads

Panzanella (Bread Salad With Fresh Tomatoes)

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 baguette, 24 inches long, preferably 2 days old 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup chopped garlic 2 pounds medium tomatoes 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, […]

Main Dishes

Pasta e Ceci (Pasta & Chickpeas)

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a classic Italian dish that showcases chickpeas and a flavorful broth. You can cook the chickpeas a day or two ahead, and then the dish will come together in a flash for a busy weeknight. Ingredients 1 lb dried chickpeas (about 2 1/2 […]