Chef's Notes Plus

All About Quick Pickles

If your kitchen cabinets are currently storing more than one empty glass jar, you are officially missing an easy pickling opportunity. Pickled fruits and vegetables are the absolute best way to add some excitement to any recipe, cheese plate, or mid-afternoon snack attack. There are many pickling strategies, which can […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Almond-Fig Vinaigrette

Makes 2 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup chopped almonds 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup red wine 2 shallots, minced Kosher salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed 1 cup olive oil (not extra-virgin) 3/4 cup almond oil 1/2 cup chopped fresh or dried figs Juice of 2 lemons […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

An Apple a Day…

Apples are really healthy, and tradition says that one a day keeps the doctor away—which is an easy goal when it’s covered with candy! Sure, sure, we should eat apples that aren’t covered in caramel or a crunchy red candy shell, but it’s fall, isn’t it!? If you love those […]

Cakes, Desserts

Angel Food Cake

Makes one 9-inch tube cake In order to reach a lofty height, angel food cake needs to cling to the sides of the pan, both as it bakes and while it cools. This is why the pan is ungreased and the cake is cooled upside down. Some angel food cake […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Apple Pie Scones

Makes 12 scones Pre-cooking the apples keeps these scones moist, but not soggy. You can do that part a day or two ahead of time, if you like. Galas are a neutral, crisp apple that are great for baking, but you can use Granny Smith or something similar if you […]

Side Dishes

Apple Sage Dressing

Use this recipe as a stuffing for your turkey or a dressing you can bake separately. Additions like browned sausage, smoked ham, or pecans are natural variations for a hearty option.

Pies and Tarts

Apple Slab Pie

Makes one, 5 1/2 by 17-inch slab pie Ingredients 2 lb Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Egg wash, as needed […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Side Dishes

Baba Ganoush

Makes 1 quart The puréed eggplant gives a silky smooth texture to this baba ghanoush. Enjoy it as a dip for vegetables or serve with pita bread. Its versatility makes it a natural candidate to put out on a meze table alongside other dips and spreads. Ingredients 2 large eggplants […]

Free Recipes

Balsamic of Modena PGI Goat-Cheesecake

*The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is the name of an area, a specific place, or, in exceptional cases, the name of a country, used as a description of an agricultural product, which comes from such an area, place, or country, which has a specific quality, goodwill, or other characteristic property, […]