Chef's Notes Plus

Can I Freeze This? Tips for Stocking your Freezer

One of the most frequently asked questions from guests at our CIA campuses is: “Can I freeze this?” And it’s a good question! After all, no matter how much you like to cook, there are some days that having a back-up dinner ready to go can be a life-saver. You’ll […]

Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 32 cookies Ingredients 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 1/4 sticks (18 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 (12 […]

Main Dishes

Classic Lasagna Bolognese

Makes 6 to 8 servings Many variations on lasagna may be found all over Italy. If you go toward the south of Italy, you will see cooks using ricotta instead of béchamel. This is the classic lasagna Bolognese; try this version and you won’t be disappointed. If you want your […]

Chef's Blog

Cook This Now to Eat Later

As the days get shorter and the to-do list grow longer, the winter brings a flurry of activities, homework, and year-end meetings. When your calendar is overwhelming, it is nice to be prepared with time-saving dinners made by a less-frazzled version of you. Here are some of our favorite make-ahead […]

Allergen Friendly, Free Recipes, Soups and Stews

Corn and Squash Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings The basil is a nice bright flavor in this quick and easy broth, but you can use whatever herb you may have on hand. Substitute zucchini for the yellow squash, if necessary. We like to serve this with puréed roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, if […]

Soups and Stews

Cream Of Tomato Soup

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 1 quart vegetable stock One 28-oz can plum tomatoes 1 cup heavy cream Kosher salt, as needed Ground white pepper, as needed Basil chiffonade, as needed Directions Heat the oil in a […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Cream Scones

Makes 12 scones These scones develop a wonderful texture if the dough is frozen overnight. Freeze individual scones, and then bake as many as needed straight from the freezer to accompany breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Side Dishes

Creamy Pinto Beans

Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients 1 lb dried pinto beans 5 1/2 cups water 2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions 3 ancho chiles, seeds and membranes removed 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano 2/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 garlic […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Crêpes

Makes 24 crêpes Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups milk 3 large eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup butter or vegetable oil to coat pan, or as needed Directions Sift the flour, sugar, and salt together into […]

Chef's Blog

Making Quick and Easy Vegetable Stock

Stocks and broths are the literal foundation of every soup, stew, and braise we make, and that’s why we are extra enthusiastic about using homemade stocks (or broths, but let’s just say stocks from now on!) whenever possible. We aren’t oblivious to the absolute convenience of the store-bought versions—or to […]

Chef's Blog, Main Dishes

Pan-Steamed Cilantro and Pork Dumplings

Makes 8 servings Many hands make quick work, though if the company is good, why hurry? Gather your favorite sous chefs to prepare these flavorful dumplings, which are as fun to make as they are to eat. Remember, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and ugly dumplings are […]