Chef's Notes Plus

How to Cook Beans

Beans and other legumes are considered superfoods, with nutritional benefits that are helpful to people with many types of health concerns or dietary restrictions. Paired with vegetables, beans and legumes can be considered a complete meal and healthy source of protein. Beans are available dried and canned. Canned beans have […]

Chef's Blog

How-To: How to Cook Legumes

It’s soups and stews season and we often see recipes that call for cooked beans.  If you are in a rush, canned beans are a convenient way to get beans into your favorite dish, but we guarantee that beans you cook yourself will have a better flavor and texture. Beans, […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Hummus bi Tahini

Makes 1 quart This is a basic hummus recipe that is perfect as is, but is also endlessly customizable. Just like the ones you see in the store, you can top this hummus with anything from olive tapenade to roasted red peppers. Sprinkle the hummus with spice blends, like za’atar, […]

Main Dishes

Individual Lasagnas with Spring Vegetables

Makes 4 servings Get your kids or guests to help assemble the lasagnas. Let each “sous chef” add one ingredient—noodles, purée, veggies—to the plate. If you can’t find whole grain lasagna noodles, conventional dry lasagna noodles will work just fine. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 1 bunch (approximately 1 pound) […]

Chef's Blog

Kid-Friendly Lunch Recipe for Back to School

Back-to-school was always my favorite season. I was never a summer kid, and heading back to the classroom meant cooler weather, new Lisa Frank school supplies, and school friends! Since the day I learned how, I don’t think I have stopped talking. At home I had three older brothers who […]

Main Dishes

Lamb Chops with Fava Beans

Makes 4 to 6 Servings Lamb Chop Marinade Ingredients 1 cup olive oil 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 rosemary springs, leaves chopped 2 thyme springs, leaves chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed 12 to 18 lamb chops (about 3 1/2 ounces each) Directions Mix the oil, […]

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 […]

Main Dishes

Pisarei e Fagioli (Bread Gnocchi with Beans)

Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients Tomato and Pancetta Sauce with Borlotti Beans 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 oz pancetta, minced 1 rosemary sprig, chopped 4 large sage leaves, chopped 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 bay leaf 1 medium onion, minced 1 tablespoon tomato […]