Soups and Stews

Posole Poblano Soup

Makes 6 Servings Ingredients 4 poblano chiles 4 teaspoons corn oil 1 ancho chile 10 oz smoked pork, diced (about 2 1/2 cups) Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/4 cups diced onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, minced 3 tablespoons masa harina […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Salsa Macha

Makes about 4 cups This Mexican sauce is chile-based with the rich flavors of toasted nuts and seeds. Used as a condiment alongside, well, virtually anything, this salsa shines on quesadillas and eggs, rather than as a side for tortilla chips. This blend of chiles gives a spicy, smoky finish. […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Spicy Kimchi Stew with Pork

Makes 8 portions Kimchi is salty, a little sour, and sure, sort of funky, but definitely in a great way. This fermented chile-rubbed cabbage and scallion mixture is a great base for dishes, like this stew, and the easiest side to add some new flavors to old favorites, like roast […]

Main Dishes

Spicy Kung Pao Tofu with Peanuts and Zucchini Noodles

Makes 8 Servings Ingredients 1 lb extra firm tofu, drained Kosher salt, as needed 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or sherry 2 tablespoons sesame oil Sauce 2 tablespoons bean sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons chile paste with garlic 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 2 cups peanut […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Makes about 8 servings The key to this perfect summer refresher is great watermelon, so if your melon is a dud, you may want to try something else. Of course, you can also make the same mixture with cantaloupe or pineapple (or basically any other fruit!), so pick what’s tastiest […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tahini Soy Dressing

Makes about 2/3 cup This dressing is great on salads and as a dipping sauce, but it also tastes exceptionally good on a pasta salad as well. Ingredients 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 2 teaspoons minced ginger 1 shallot, minced 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

What Makes Food Spicy?

Do you like spicy food? If the answer is yes – join the club! If the answer is no – well, join the other club, because there are lots of people just like you! Have you ever wondered why certain foods are so spicy? Spicy foods burn our mouths thanks […]