Free Recipes

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI Bruschetta

*The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is the name of an area, a specific place, or, in exceptional cases, the name of a country, used as a description of an agricultural product, which comes from such an area, place, or country, which has a specific quality, goodwill, or other characteristic property, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Freezing Fruits and Vegetables

Freezing is one of the easiest and most flexible preserving methods – when you’re ready to eat something, you simply thaw it and finish it – and then you can replace the space it took up in your freezer with a new item. It is also one of the most […]

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 […]

Chef's Notes Plus

How to Choose Corn on the Cob

Sweet and tender corn is a pinnacle of summer, enjoyed raw, grilled, on the cob, or off. It is a plentiful and inexpensive ingredient that adds a burst of sweetness to any dish, and, boy, do we cherish it. Before you’re able to enjoy the perfection that is summer corn, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Keep it Simple with Pumpkin Purée

Despite the abundance of pumpkin-flavored foods at every turn, we spend surprisingly little time handling actual pumpkins. After all, as proponents of “homemade is best,” an apple pie starts with apples, a cherry pie starts with cherries. But a pumpkin pie starts with…a can of pumpkin purée? Using prepared pumpkin […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Summer Produce (and How to Use Them)

No matter what part of the country you live in, summer is the season of abundance. Farmers’ markets are full to overflowing, and backyard gardens are starting to produce in earnest. Who wouldn’t want to cook with all those colors and flavors for inspiration? We’ll highlight some of our favorites […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Preparing Fresh Garden Peas

Garden peas are one of the great treasures of springtime. When you find them in the market, feature them in a dish with fresh favas or asparagus, which are in season at the same time. If you are lucky enough to grow your own or have access to farm fresh […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Refreshing Agua Frescas

Originating in Latin America, agua fresca is a refreshing nonalcoholic beverage based on fruits, hibiscus flowers, or, in some regions, cereals, along with sugar and water. Though some may be prepared using juice or tea, like lime or hibiscus (also known as agua de Jamaica), agua frescas are often made […]

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

Roasted Radishes

Makes 4 servings Roasting tempers the slightly bitter flavor of the radishes and brings out their natural sweetness. Give this technique a try in your kitchen to add to your repertoire of ways to serve radishes. Ingredients 2 bunches red radishes, cleaned, tops removed and sliced in half 1 teaspoon […]

Chef's Blog

Summer in a Jar—Savoring Every Last Bite

Every August, we try to avoid it, but it is inevitable: summer’s long days grow shorter as the season draws to a close. On the bright side, in its waning weeks, our gardens and farm stands explode with cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, and eggplant. If only there was a way […]

Chef's Blog

Tarragon, the Forgotten Herb

There is a hierarchy of ingredients in French cuisine, and it’s pretty easy to identify some of the favorites: butter, oysters, chocolate. These are all part of our universal food consciousness, and for good reason (because, yum!). One French favorite that may not get the attention it deserves on our […]