Pantry

Dry Berbere Spice Blend

Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend made from chiles and other spices. Though you can find it online or at most grocery stores, there is nothing like homemade, and you’ll especially love it for grilling season. Makes about 3/4 cup

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Ginger-Sesame Dressing

Makes 1 cup This staple vinaigrette comes in handy whether you’re dressing lettuce greens, noodles, or even just steamed green beans. The fermented black beans, found at the Asian market or online, add saltiness and a savory depth of flavor, but you can leave them out if you don’t have […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Gingerbread: History on Display

“And I had but one pennie in the world, thou should’st have it to buy Gingerbread” -Costard in Love’s Labour’s Lost, William Shakespeare c. 1598 When I was a child, one of my favorite holiday traditions was when my family and I would visit Mystic Seaport in Stonington, Connecticut for […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Ginnie Meyer

Makes 1 serving Meyer lemons are sweeter than everyday lemons, with a flavor that might remind you of a slightly tart orange. They are also usually a brighter, more vibrant shade of yellow that looks beautiful when sliced for garnish. You should be able to find them at most grocery […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Hibiscus-Ginger Soda

Makes 4 to 6 servings Hibiscus tea (which is the primary ingredient in this soda) is slightly bitter, a little tart, and not at all sweet, so we balance it with a touch of honey. You can also serve simple syrup on the side for guests to sweeten, as they […]

Cookies

Iced and Spiced Brown Sugar Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cutter These lightly spiced brown sugar cookies are just the thing for your Pinterest-worthy Halloween (or Thanksgiving!) party. Easy to make, easy to glaze, and even easier to enjoy, they’ll look perfect on a platter alongside warm mulled cider […]

Grilling

Lemon-Ginger Grilled Chicken

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup lemon zest 2/3 cup lemon juice 4 teaspoons minced ginger 4 teaspoons light brown sugar, firmly packed 1 tablespoon peanut oil 4 Szechuan chile peppers, dried, seeds removed 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed 8 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless Directions Combine the […]

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 […]