Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Flavoring Homemade Ice Cream

As the summer settles in, there is no greater joy than a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. No matter your favorite flavor, from simple vanilla to the rockiest rocky road, an ice cream cone is the ultimate way to treat yourself. Near our San Antonio campus, where […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Homemade Pasta for Two on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is less about being in love and more about sharing love, whether that’s with a partner, a family member, or your very best friends. We may be biased, but here at The CIA, we don’t think there’s a much better way to show someone you care than to […]

Family Fun

Make it Yourself: Homemade Chocolate Shell

Are you a fan of chocolate shell? You might also know it as magic shell or chocolate dip. We find it hard to imagine that anyone can hate chocolate meant to cover ice cream, but hey, some people like those circus peanut candies that taste like bananas. If you’re in […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Make it Yourself: Marshmallow Spring Treats

If you’re a kid, these memories will be fresh (could it have even been yesterday!?). If you’re an adult, the heartbreak never fades. You’re walking through a grocery store, and you turn the corner. You come face to face with Cadbury Cream Eggs and sparkly marshmallow Peeps. Your eyes widen, […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mayonnaise

Makes 2 cups mayonnaise We love making mayonnaise the old fashioned way (for special occasions!), but you can also make it in a blender. Follow the directions, plus instead of a bowl, combine the yolks, water, vinegar, mustard, and sugar in a blender, and steam in the oil while it’s […]

Desserts

Peanut Butter Nougat

Makes one 9 by 13-inch slab All of the goodness of peanut butter in a light nougat—nothing could be better, except maybe adding some chocolate. This nougat pairs well with both dark and milk chocolate. The texture of the nougat will improve a day or two after it is made. […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Raisin Bread with a Cinnamon Swirl

Makes 2 loaves This dough is sprinkled with fragrant cinnamon sugar before rolling up, creating a swirl. Mixing raisins into the dough studs the entire loaf with plump, sweet fruit. Although the recipe calls for dark raisins, you could easily substitute dried currants or diced dried apricots or prunes. Ingredients […]

Main Dishes

Troccoli with Lamb and Pepper Sauce

Makes 6 servings Though this sauce is relatively basic, lamb adds that sort of can’t-quite-place-it flavor that you and your guests will love. We like pairing it with homemade Troccoli pasta, but you can use whatever dried variety you prefer. Make the sauce well-ahead, if you like, and freeze it […]

Free Recipes

Whole Wheat Pasta

Fresh pasta is one of the simplest ways to create a special meal, and it’s even better when everyone lends a hand. This whole wheat pasta is perfect for hand-cut noodles that are tender, but with just the right bite to support hearty sauces, like meat ragouts. Makes 8 servings

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

You Can Make Cheese at Home (Yes, You!)

There are few greater joys than a freshly made cheese, like a mozzarella still warm from its bath. And while there are many styles of cheese available on the market today, some of which take a long time to make or require special equipment or conditions, many can be made […]