Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making Marzipan Shapes

In many parts of the world, sweet shops produce dazzling marzipan confections shaped and colored to look like fruit fresh from the tree and an array of other tempting shapes. Although the town of Lübeck in Germany is credited with making some of the best marzipans in the world, it […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Manhattan

Makes 1 serving Some might say there is no better start to a classic steakhouse dinner than an ice cold Manhattan. Different bourbons or whiskeys will bring their own qualities to the finished drink, so experiment to see what you like best to create your signature cocktail. Ingredients 2 oz […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Maple Pecan Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The complementary flavors of maple and pecan combine in this pie to create an earthy, buttery, robust dessert. Be sure to purchase Grade B maple syrup as the darker amber color and deeper maple flavor are essential to this pie. In the variation that follows, adding […]

Desserts, Family Fun

Marshmallow Easter Treats

Makes about 12 treats (depending on the size of your cookie cutter) Making your favorite store-bought treats at home is fun and tasty! Marshmallows are easy once you get the hang of it. Just make sure to have a thermometer handy. If you don’t like the sugar coating on your […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Martini

Makes 1 serving Dry martinis may have only a few drops of vermouth, while a regular martini has the full 1/2 ounce measure noted here. Be sure to ask your guests how dry they like their martinis before adding the vermouth! Ingredients 3 oz vodka or gin 1/2 oz dry […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Matzo Ball Soup for Passover

Matzo Ball Soup is as personal as your favorite old pajamas, and no pair will ever be as good as yours. Just like any traditional comfort food, there are endless variations and personalization, and while we have one we go-to, we’ve truthfully never met a matzo ball we didn’t love. […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Mediterranean Cooler

Makes 8 servings Look for bottled pomegranate juice the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets or health food stores. You can substitute other juices for those we recommend here. Grapefruit and cranberry juice makes a Seabreeze. Orange and cranberry makes a Madras. A modest amount of club soda gives the drink […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Meltaways to Celebrate your BFF!

The best part of Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is celebrating the people we love—whether that’s our parents, our brothers and sisters, girlfriends and boyfriends, or just our besties! And, sure, we think part of celebrating your BFFs is doing something fun, a special little treat can certainly help. We […]

Family Fun

Midnight Snacks for New Year’s Eve Celebrations!

New Year’s Eve is so fun, even if you can only stay awake until 9:00! But if you are determined to stay up to see the big ball drop at midnight, you’re going to need snacks. Here are some of our favorite quick-and-easy, sweet and savory recipes to help keep […]