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 Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Food Safety Strategies: Temperature Danger Zone

Food safety is of the utmost important in professional kitchens, and there are some basic strategies you can follow in your home kitchen to ensure the food you cook is not just delicious, but also safe from cross-contamination and pathogens. One of the fundamental defenses against pathogens is the observance […]

Salads, Side Dishes

French Lentil Salad

Lentils, available in many varieties, are quick-cooking legumes. Substitute red or yellow lentils for the brown French lentils to create a more vibrantly colored salad.

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Fresh Blueberry Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie If you have never had a fresh blueberry pie, this is the classic recipe to try. The top crust is formed with overlapping star cutouts, making it perfect for the Fourth of July—high season for fresh blueberries!

Chef's Notes Plus

From the Garden: Basil Vinaigrette

I absolutely cannot keep a plant alive. Not even the easy ones, like aloe, even though I really try. The only plant that survives my path of destruction is basil, which is really a yearly tale of resilience. Now it’s mid-August, and for those of us who don’t know how […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Frozen Aperol Spritz

Makes 8 to 10 servings Come summertime, we think any cocktail can be made better by freezing, and the Aperol Spritz is no exception. Though it is perfect just the way it is, experiment with this recipe to make it just right for you! Add fruit juice, berries, or a […]

Desserts

Fruit Gelées

Makes about 120 pieces Fruit gelées are candies that are made from fruit juices or purées. Fruit extracts and oils may be added in small amounts to boost the candies’ flavor. While extracts are available in many supermarkets, you may wish to experiment with oils to expand your repertoire. Many […]

Pies and Tarts

Fudgy Walnut Brownie Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie The filling for this pie is reminiscent of a fudgy, dense brownie studded with walnuts and bittersweet chocolate chunks. The crispy chocolate crumb crust is an added bonus in both flavor and texture. If you prefer a moister, denser texture to the filling, bake for 35 […]

Main Dishes, One-Dish Meals, Soups and Stews

Garbanzo Guisados (Chickpea Stew)

Makes 6 servings This Puerto Rican chickpea stew is warm and comforting, with the richness of chorizo and the briny bite of green olives. Serve it over rice or wrapped in a warm flatbread. You can purchase prepared sofrito from most markets or specialty stores. This recipe doubles and freezes […]