Chef's Notes Plus

Meltaways to Celebrate your BFF!

The best part of Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is celebrating the people we love—whether that’s our parents, our brothers and sisters, girlfriends and boyfriends, or just our besties! And, sure, we think part of celebrating your BFFs is doing something fun, a special little treat can certainly help. We […]

Side Dishes

Mexican-Style Street Corn Salad

Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen 1 tablespoon lime juice 3 tablespoons mayonnaise Hot sauce, to taste 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder […]

Soups and Stews

Minestra Maritata

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a typical dish of the Campania region in which the meat “marries” with the vegetables. The broth can be prepared a few days before the rest of the soup, making it a quick and easy spring time supper. Ingredients 8 oz pork ribs […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Minguichi (Chile and Cheese Soup)

Makes 6 servings This soup, from Michoacán in Western Mexico, is perfect at the end of summer when the tomatoes and corn are at their best, but it’s just as flavorful in the winter, and even quicker to make from canned tomatoes and frozen corn. If you wish, you can […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Mini Calzones

Makes 8 mini calzones These are classic calzone flavors perfectly kid-sized for a fun handheld movie-night dinner! Set out a variety of fillings so everyone can make their own, and don’t be afraid to try something new, like Buffalo chicken, taco pockets, or barbecue pulled pork!

Desserts

Mint Meltaways

Makes 81 pieces They are called meltaways for a reason: When coconut fat is mixed with chocolate, the result is a mixture that melts very quickly in the mouth. Add flavoring to it, and you have a singular sensation. No need to dip these in chocolate—just dust with powdered sugar […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Minty Peach Iced Tea

Makes 6 servings In the heart of summer, we’re always looking for ways to use super ripe peaches that may have gotten way from us, and this quick and easy iced tea is one of the most refreshing. Adjust the sweetness depending on the sweetness of your peaches, and don’t […]

Cakes

Mocha Torte

Makes one 8-inch torte A torte is a European-style pastry typically made with layers of sponge cake, a jam or cream filling, and a frosting. These rich and complex desserts are often enjoyed in the middle of the afternoon, served with coffee or tea, rather than as a dessert following […]

Main Dishes

Mole Rojo Oaxaqueño (Red Oaxacan Mole)

Makes 8 servings There are more than 50 varieties of Mexican mole, but this may be the versions most Americans think of when they hear the word. Rich with flavor from dried chiles, nuts and seeds, and, yes, a bit of chocolate, this sauce is worth the effort. Ingredients 23 […]

Chef's Blog

More than a Trend: Bring Birria to Your Own Kitchen

If you spend any time on social media, you’ve surely seen photos of crispy, griddled birria tacos. Just the sight of them stops any foodie in their tracks. Melted cheese, golden brown and lacy around the edges. Tender meat, rich from hours stewed in chiles and tomatoes. And, of course, […]

Pantry

Mozzarella Cheese

Makes 2 pounds Ingredients 6 oz salt 1 gallon water 2 lb mozzarella cheese curd, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Directions Add the salt to the water and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat. Place the cheese curd in a bowl and pour enough water around the […]