Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

A Taste of Beaujolais

Beaujolais and its wines are easy to understand, easy to buy, and easy to love. With few exceptions, they are juicy, bubble-gum reds produced in a light style for easy drinking. A huge amount of red Beaujolais is produced, all of it made solely from the Gamay grape. A small […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Aviation Cocktail

Ingredients 2 ounces gin 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur 1/4 ounce crème de violette Directions Combine first four ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until cold and strain into a martini glass.

Chef's Notes Plus

Beverages for Cheese

Many of us have an innate belief that wine and cheese were made for each other. Not to disavow you of that belief, but dry wines can often clash with rich cheeses, and red wine is more often the culprit than white! Here, though, are a few simple ground rules […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Cranberry Shrub

Makes about 3 cups A shrub is a syrup made from cooked fruit and sugar (or other sweetener, like honey or maple syrup), strained and mixed with vinegar. Historically, it’s been used to preserve fresh fruit beyond its growing season. But today, mixologists use it as a fruity and acidic […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Get to Know Rosé

It may seem like rosé has become extra trendy in the last few years, but come summertime along the coast of France (and, well, all over Europe!), rosé is simply a fact of life. And why shouldn’t it be? Rosé (rosato in Italy and rosado in Spanish-speaking countries, alongside the […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Gin: A Global Spirit

More than just the first component of a popular cocktail, gin is a spirit whose very ingredients bring far-flung parts of the world together. It’s also a drink with a fascinating history touching nations from Holland to England to India. What is Gin? Gin is a neutral spirit base that […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Horchata Iced Coffee

Makes 8 servings This horchata and coffee mixture is refreshing and lightly spiced, making it the perfect pick-me-up on those warmer fall days. Adjust the amount or horchata or coffee to your preference, or you can even substitute the brewed coffee for one or two shots of espresso or cold […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

How to Make Punch Without a Recipe

This summer, cocktail trends are all about convenience, with an explosion of canned and pre-mixed drinks to enjoy by the pool, at the beach, or lazy days on the lake. And while we love the cute novelty vibes of a canned cocktail, we know we can do it better—without reinventing […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient Spotlight: Matcha

It’s been years since matcha became a buzz word, popping up around the U.S. in lattes, smoothies, ice cream, you name it. Matcha wasn’t new then (check in with Japan circa the 13th century) and certainly isn’t now, which speaks to its value as more than a passing wellness trend. […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Instant Hot Chocolate Mix

Makes 20, 8 ounces cups of cocoa Ingredients 3 cups powdered sugar 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup powdered milk Pinch of salt 1 tablespoon cornstarch Directions In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, sal,t and cornstarch. Whisk to combine. Store in an […]