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

Supremely Spooky Pizzas for Halloween

Small foodies may have candy on the brain, but before they start their whirlwind foraging expedition, little ghosts, cowgirls—and hopefully a tiny chef or two!?—need some food-fuel. Since it is Halloween, dinner needs to be fun and maybe a little spooky! For your sake, it should also be easy. We […]

Main Dishes

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Makes 4 servings Lettuce wraps are a fun and easy meal to feed a crowd. Serve assembled wraps on platters, like we did here, or put out platters of lettuce leaves, cooked shrimp, and garnishes and let folks assemble their own. Make the sauce a few days ahead for minimal […]

Cookies, Desserts

Sweet Potato-Pecan Pie Bars

Makes one 9-in by 13-in pan Sweet potato custard and bourbon-flavored pecan topping make this the perfect fall treat. Ingredients Shortbread Crust 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 6 oz (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Sweet Potato Filling […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Main Dishes

Swordfish Carpaccio

Serves 6 to 8 Fish carpaccio is very common in regions where fresh fish is available. It is often cured with an acid, usually lemon juice, and marinated with extra-virgin olive oil and herbs. Ingredients 1 1/2 lb swordfish Sea salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed 2 […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Taco Night

What comes to mind when you think about a taco? Is it a crunchy tortilla shell filled with ground beef and lettuce? Is it a flour tortilla wrapped around shredded chicken? Or maybe you live in southern California, and a taco means grilled, freshly-caught fish in a corn tortilla. That’s […]

Main Dishes

Tacos de Carnitas (Succulent and Crispy Pork Tacos)

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2-in/5-cm cubes 1 lb pork ribs, cut into 2-bone segments 1 white onion, quartered 1 clove garlic 1 bay leaf Kosher salt, to taste 24 white corn tortillas 3 avocados, sliced 1 cup diced white onion, for garnish 3/4 cup […]

Cookies

Tahini Kiss Cookies

Makes about 32 cookies These tahini cookies are inspired by the classic peanut butter kiss cookie, with the slightly more savory (and nut-free!) flavor of tahini. We used semi-sweet chocolate to offset the sweetness in the cookies, but you can use whatever chocolate you like best. Ingredients 1 cup tahini […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Taking a Small Bite of Spanish Culture

Easy to eat and quick to serve, tapas have made their way from the bars and restaurants of Spain to capturing the attention of Americans. These tempting tidbits delight the palate with intense flavors and contrasting textures. Whether simple or complex in their preparation, served hot or cold, tapas make […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tapenade

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 2 cups pitted kalamata or other cured black olives 3 anchovy fillets, drained 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, rosemary, or basil Directions Put the olives, anchovy fillets, capers, and garlic […]

Beverages and Cocktails, Pantry

Tart Cherries in Bourbon

Makes about 5 cups These easy to prepare cherries are a staple of a well-stocked home bar, but they also make amazing gifts. Use the cherries in your cocktails, but don’t forget the flavorful brandy for drinks, soaking cakes, or rehydrating raisins and other dried fruits for holiday baking. Ingredients […]

Desserts

Tarte Tatin

Makes 6 servings Although Tarte Tatin seems quite elegant and, in some restaurants, liberties have been taken to fancy it up, it is really just a simple apple tart. Though fancy versions exist, we think that simpler is better. Remove all the bells and whistles and keep it simple—a good […]