Chef's Notes Plus

The Great Debate: Grits or Polenta?

People tend to be polenta people or grits people. But like most great debates, we’re a lot more similar than we think. Both polenta and grits are cereals made from stone-ground corn. When cooked, they soften and release starch into the cooking liquid, creating a soft and creamy mixture that […]

Chef's Blog

The Joy of Baking Bread at Home

Baking bread at home is much easier than you think. First, don’t be afraid of making a mess or doing it wrong. Most great bakers have spent years making mistakes and are only great now because they’ve learned what not to do. Second, start with a no-knead method if you’re […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Late Spring-Early Summer Sweet Spot

As the spring quickly merges with early summer, we have some amazing produce headed our way—and we’re eyeing the sweet stuff! Try some of our favorite recipes to enjoy the sweet berries (and tomatoes!) coming your way. Cheesecake with Fresh Summer Berries Raspberry Mascarpone Tart Fresh Blueberry Pie Panna Cotta […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Magic of Roasted Broccoli

Sometimes the simplest techniques reveal the biggest transformations. Take broccoli: raw, it’s crunchy and fresh; steamed, it’s tender and mild. But when you roast broccoli, the vegetable becomes something altogether different—deeply flavored, slightly crisp, and very crave-worthy. Roasting works its magic by drawing out the natural sugars in broccoli and […]

Chef's Blog

The Mediterranean Diet: The Future of Food

The Mediterranean Diet sounds like something we might hesitate to embrace…after all, it has the word “diet” affixed to it. But it’s actually a wonderful Mediterranean approach to fresh products, healthy and delicious food, local wine, dining rituals, and lifestyle. For thousands of years, the countries in the region have […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Mighty Chickpea

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutrient-dense legume that have been a staple in diets across various cultures for centuries. Chickpeas are particularly valued for their high protein content, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Parts of a Knife (and Why They Matter)

To select a knife of good quality that fits your hand well and is suitable for the intended task, you need a basic knowledge of the various parts of a knife. Blades Currently, the most frequently used material for blades is high-carbon stainless steel. Other materials, such as stainless steel […]

Chef's Notes Plus

The Perfect Cocktail for a Taste of Spring

As we ease on down that road toward spring, you might start dipping your toe back into outdoor living. It starts with two minutes of staring into the sunshine before you huddle back under the blanket, but before you know it, you’ll be reading your newspaper al fresco with a […]

Chef's Notes Plus

The Perfect Condiment for Summer Sandwiches

It’s Laura here, your DISH editor and certified beach bum. I grew up at the Jersey Shore, and between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were three priorities: swim, sun, snacks. For me, the perfect beach snacks are as follows: cubed melon, pretzel rods (not sticks), shortbread cookies for a […]

Chef's Blog

The Perfect Cup of Tea

We may be a coffee-drinking society, but you can’t underestimate the impact of the millennia-old tradition of drinking tea. And just like coffee, tea can be enjoyed in hundreds (if not thousands!) of ways—yes, even as a latte! All tea comes from the same plant, the Cameliasinensis. The way the […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

The Spoon Method to Test Cooked Sugar

The most accurate way to measure the temperature of cooking sugar syrup is to use a thermometer; there is little reason that a home confectioner would want to use any other method. Finger testing is a time-honored technique that can be used in place of, or in addition to, a […]