Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

12 Best Easter Brunch Recipes

Easter brunch is the holiday meal of our dreams, since you can have sweet, savory, and definitely a little bit of both! Try a few of our favorite spring brunch recipes for your holiday table, and don’t be afraid to mix and match! Cherry and Cheese Blintzes with Mixed Berry […]

Main Dishes, Side Dishes

Asparagus with Chanterelles

Makes 5 servings This dish works well with either white or green asparagus. The time of year will determine which one you choose—it is in season in the spring. If you are lucky, you will find both in the store and you can prepare either. White asparagus is covered while […]

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.

Main Dishes

Baked Smoked Salmon Gnocchi with Asparagus

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 1 cup whole milk 3 oz (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, plus more as needed for baking dish Kosher salt, as needed Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional) 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 8 oz smoked salmon, processed to a paste 3 large eggs 18 asparagus spears (about […]

Main Dishes

Braised Lamb Shanks

Makes 8 servings Braising is often used for cooking leaner and tougher cuts of meat like lamb shanks, which braise beautifully. As the meat slowly cooks, the connective tissue dissolves, the meat becomes tender, and the juices develop into a rich sauce. Serve with couscous or rice pilaf to soak […]

Desserts

Bread Pudding

Makes 6 servings Bread Pudding Ingredients 1 pint milk, warm 4 eggs, large, beaten 2 egg yolks, large, beaten 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups challah, preferably 1 to 2 days old, cubed 1/3 cup raisins Directions Preheat the oven to 325ºF. In a large bowl, whisking […]

Desserts

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Makes 16 servings Carrot Cake Batter Ingredients 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 3/4 cup diced pineapple 4 cups grated carrots 2/3 cup raisins 2 egg whites Cream Cheese Frosting […]

Salads

Chilled Asparagus With Mustard Herb Vinaigrette

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb asparagus 2 tablespoons white wine or cider vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped flat leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon chopped tarragon leaves Salt and pepper as needed Dash of onion powder Dash of garlic powder 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions Bring a […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Colorful Easter Eggs, Naturally

Dying colorful Easter eggs is such a fun craft (yes, for adults, too!), but if you aren’t a fan of store-bought artificial dyes, you may have been avoiding it. But, like, everything, there’s a way to use food to make the experience better! Namely, making your own dyes from colorful […]