Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Flavoring Homemade Ice Cream

As the summer settles in, there is no greater joy than a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. No matter your favorite flavor, from simple vanilla to the rockiest rocky road, an ice cream cone is the ultimate way to treat yourself. Near our San Antonio campus, where […]

Cakes

Flourless Chocolate Soufflé Cake

Makes one 8-inch cake Ingredients 5 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing 10 large eggs (divided use) 2/3 cup sugar (divided use) 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional) Directions Preheat the oven to 375°F. […]

Desserts

French Vanilla Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings This is your classic vanilla ice cream, with a clean vanilla flavor and those signature flecks from the seeds of a fresh vanilla bean. If you can’t find vanilla beans, vanilla paste is your best substitute. Ingredients 3 cups heavy cream 1 […]

Pies and Tarts

Fudgy Walnut Brownie Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The filling for this pie is reminiscent of a fudgy, dense brownie studded with walnuts and bittersweet chocolate chunks. The crispy chocolate crumb crust is an added bonus in both flavor and texture. If you prefer a moister, denser texture to the filling, bake for 35 […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Grappa with Berries

Makes 6 servings This recipe can be made with any fruit that is in season. The recipe makes six portions, but you can make as much or as little as you like. Keep replenishing the fruit as you use it so that you’ll have a supply on hand whenever you […]

Desserts

Grilled Pound Cake with Coffee Ganache

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 Pound Cake, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 1 cup Coffee Ganache 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts Directions Preheat a gas grill to medium-high. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn […]

Chef's Blog

Halloween Decisions: Angel or Devil’s Food Cake

Happy Halloween! It’s the spookiest day of the year and while candy is great, we prefer to bake! The hardest part is deciding which cake to make.  Here are our favorite recipes for indulgent and rich Devil’s Fudge Cake, and light and airy Angel Food Cake. Devil’s Fudge Cake Makes […]

Desserts

Hawaiian-Style Shave Ice

Makes 4 servings There are machines you can buy to make shave ice, but if you don’t have one, you can use your food processor! Make the ice at the last minute to keep it nice and fluffy. For a party, make several varieties of syrup so guests can mix […]