Chef's Notes Plus

Diabetes-Friendly Cooking

Amidst the flurry of concerns a new diabetes diagnosis can bring, what to cook for dinner can seem like a huge hurdle. Simple everyday tasks like packing lunch or entertaining friends brings a new set of challenges. Receiving the news that you have prediabetes or diabetes is a food lover’s […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Diabetes-Friendly Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup

Makes 6 servings We love the added flavor from the spices, sun-dried tomato, and sherry vinegar in this diabetes-friendly black bean soup. Garnish it with some mixed grains and wilted spinach and it becomes addictive. Ingredients 12 ounces dried black beans 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 sachet d’épices (2 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Drying Techniques for Preserving Foods

Whether it’s for long-term storage, sweet treats, or prep for a long hike, drying foods is a great way of not just preserving food by extending its shelf life, but also reducing their size and weight for efficient storage or carrying. There are multiple techniques for drying and dehydrating foods. […]

Allergen Friendly, Main Dishes

Fish Poached In Fennel-Orange Broth

This all-purpose poaching liquid is well-suited to a number of fish, so choose what is freshest at your market. Makes 4 servings Ingredients 4 teaspoons almond oil 1 lb 8 oz fish fillet, such as flounder or salmon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups […]

Allergen Friendly, Soups and Stews

Gazpacho

Makes 8 servings This is a very simple, straightforward, no-frills gazpacho recipe. It is tangy and fresh, with a full-bodied texture thanks to a generous pour of olive oil. Experiment with proportions to find your perfect balance. Ingredients 4 lb tomatoes, cored and chopped 2 cups chopped green pepper 2 […]

Side Dishes

Glazed Beets

Sometimes simple is best, and these classic glazed beets are a sweet, slightly tangy side dish suited for any dinner. Leftover beets can be tossed in a simple green salad or chopped and added to a warm grain bowl. Ingredients 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided use 1 lb 4 […]

Side Dishes

Green Lentils with Chard and Lemon

Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients 1 lb dried green lentils (lentilles du Puy) 3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup chopped cilantro Kosher salt, to taste 10 large Swiss chard leaves, stemmed and cut into chiffonade (see Chef’s Note) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Grilled Artichokes with Romesco Sauce

Makes 5 portions If you’ve never grilled an artichoke, prepare to be hooked. Their unmistakable flavor and creamy flesh is made all the more crave-worthy when slightly charred. It is the ideal accompaniment to savory romesco sauce, but you’ll enjoy it drizzled with tahini, garlic aioli, or even just a […]

Main Dishes

Grilled Tofu with Eggplant and Parmesan

Makes 4 servings The secret to grilling tofu is to first press it until most of its moisture comes out. Layer it between paper towels while pressing it and change the towels as they get wet (see the recipe for a photo). The smokiness from grilling eggplant and tofu adds […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Guide to Radishes (and What To Do With Them)

When I first moved to the United States from Germany, where I grew up and began my career, I was surprised at how little radishes are used in American cuisine. They are, to me, delicious! Not to mention inexpensive, long-lasting, and full of nutrients. Radishes are root vegetables of which […]