Chef's Notes Plus

Identifying Cheese Rinds (or, Can I Eat That?)

Rinds happen. The first ones that showed up were on cheeses that sat around for a long time without becoming inedible. Somehow, a tough exterior was allowed to form which protected the cheese from vermin while keeping moisture inside. This is a natural rind. Other rinds occurred over time, and […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Insalata di Riso (Rice Salad)

Serves 8 to 10 Make this with whole grains such as brown rice, spelt, or barley if you prefer. Increase the cooking time for these grains and cook them long enough to be tender to the bite. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 1 lb (2 2/3 cups) Carnaroli or Arborio […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Italian-Style Sauce

Makes 1 cup Use this sauce for dipping, as a marinade, or as the base for a salad dressing. Stir it into soup for a punch of herb flavor, or serve it along side grilled or roasted vegetables or meat. Ingredients 2 cups roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup extra-virgin […]

Side Dishes

Jalapeño Jack Polenta

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 4 cups water 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 pound pepper Jack cheese, grated Kosher salt, to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper Directions Heat the water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Gradually pour the cornmeal into the […]

Breakfast and Brunch, Main Dishes, Pies and Tarts

Kale, Bacon, and Onion Quiche

Makes one 9-inch quiche Kale, a member of the cabbage family, is widely available during the winter and early spring. It has a mild flavor, and its dark, richly colored green leaves add contrast to the salty bacon in this quiche. Ingredients One All-Butter Pie Dough, unbaked single crust 6 […]

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 […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mascarpone Cheese

Makes 2 cups Ingredients 2 quarts high-quality heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar Directions In a heavy bottomed pot over moderate heat, heat the cream to 180°F, stirring often to prevent scorching. Remove from the heat. Add the tartaric acid and let the cream coagulate into a curd. Line […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Melting Cheese

You’ve heard the term plenty of times: melting cheese. “Use your favorite melting cheese!” “You can substitute any good melting cheese.” And while that seems easy enough, how do you know if a cheese is a good melting cheese? When we say “melting cheese,” we are looking for a cheese […]