Chef's Notes Plus

Fruit Powders for Colorful Fruit-Flavored Desserts

You probably buy fresh fruit, and you may love the sweet and chewy dried fruits—but do you ever buy freeze-dried fruit? Unlike chewy dried cranberries and apricots, freeze-dried fruit is crisp and crunchy with an ultra-concentrated flavor. They are a great snack, but we love them for their baking and […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Granola Parfait

Makes 8 servings This is a classic berry parfait, but you can use this granola or technique for virtually endless variations. Use any leftover granola to sprinkle over ice cream or keep it in a jar for an easy mid-day snack. Ingredients Granola 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup […]

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 […]

Desserts

Hawaiian-Style Shaved Ice

Makes 4 servings There are machines you can buy to make shaved ice, but if you don’t have one, you can use your food processor! Make the ice at the last minute to keep it nice and fluffy. For a party, make several varieties of syrup so guests can mix […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Ingredient Spotlight: Dates

When you are food-minded, thinking about dates makes your heart flutter for a very different reason. Luckily, the dates we have in mind are a bit less awkward and nerve-wracking than the romantic kind. Dates, which are the fruit of the date palm, are one of nature’s sweetest creations. You […]

Desserts

Lemon, Ginger, Barley Pudding with Raspberries

Makes 6 servings If you love rice pudding, then wait until you taste this barley version that offers you all of the creaminess that you love with some extra whole grains and a little less of the not-so-good-for-you ingredients. For a more traditional flavor, leave out the ginger and skip […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Make a Fruit Crisp Without a Recipe

Sometimes you just need. dessert. NOW. And when that moment strikes, there is one easy solution: Make a fruit crisp! Call it a crisp or a crumble, but the bones are the same. Fresh or frozen fruit baked under a crispy, crumbly, slightly sweet topping made from the most basic baking […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Make the Most of Spring Farm Stand Season

It’s spring, and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s been a snowy winter on our Hyde Park, NY campus, and we have been eager to dig out of the mess to find the sun. When the calendar turns in our favor, there is only one thing on our minds: farm […]

Desserts, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mixed Berry Sauce

Makes about 4 cups Ingredients 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh Directions Combine 1 cup of the raspberries, 1 cup of the strawberries, 3/4 cup of the […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Not All Fruits Ripen Equally

You’ve probably brought home a pineapple and thought, “If I leave it on the counter for a few extra days, it will be extra sweet!” Or maybe a quart of strawberries or a watermelon. Well, if you have, you may have also experienced the disappointment when that pineapple isn’t quite […]

Desserts

Panna Cotta

Makes 5 servings You can flavor panna cotta with many things, including vanilla, cracked coffee beans, lemon zest, cardamom pods, or anything else you fancy. For different flavors simply add the flavoring ingredient to the milk and let infuse for about 30 minutes while it is heating and then strain […]

Desserts, Free Recipes

Poached Fuyu Persimmons with Vanilla Ice Cream

Makes 8 servings Persimmons are sweet and mild in flavor with a plump texture that pairs beautifully with ice cream and a crisp topping. If you like, crumble gingersnaps in place of the baked crisp topping. If you can’t find ripe persimmons, you can substitute apple, pear, quince, or virtually […]