Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor

It’s grilling season, and this year, we want more out of our grill than just burgers and hot dogs. Of course, Texas is the smoking capital of the world (maybe self-appointed, but it still counts), and so we know all about low and slow briskets and beef ribs. But did […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

Makes 1 serving We call it a whiskey sour, but other classic variations may use gin, vodka, or even Amaretto, an Italian liqueur made from the pits of apricot that tastes strongly of almond.

One-Dish Meals

White Beans with Salsa Verde

Makes 4 to 6 servings These beans, a nice crusty bread, and a chiled glass of wine make the perfect light summer dinner or brunch dish. Salsa verde is an herby Italian sauce with hundreds of variations, so don’t hesitate to change the proportions of the sauce to suit your […]

Uncategorized

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 Notes Plus

Why Add Acid to Food?

If you’ve watched any TV cooking show, you’ve probably heard, “It needs more acid.” But do you know what that means? When chefs create a dish, they always consider the balance of flavors. All of the ingredients in a recipe should mingle, but they should never compete. Of course, individual […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Why Do Cakes Fall in the Center?

Sometimes a cake “falls,” or sinks in the middle during or after baking. Assuming the recipe you’re using is accurate and otherwise “good,” there are several reasons that a cake may not achieve expected volume. Inaccurate measuring of ingredients may affect the structure of a cake. Or, the leavener used […]

Chef's Blog

Win The Big Game with a Super Chili Spread

Are you ready for some chili? We aren’t quite sure how chili and football became forever linked, but we know we like it. And while a hot bowl of chili is perfect for any old Sunday, we think the Big Game calls for a super chili spread! This year, don’t […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Wine 101: Chardonnay

Great food and wine go hand in hand, but when the-things-to-know-about-wine are seemingly infinite, it can be difficult (and intimidating!) to choose a wine. In this series, we’ll explore the fundamentals of wine, from grape varietals to tasting, so that you can tackle a wine list with confidence. Up first […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Wine 101: Malbec

Great food and wine go hand in hand, but when the-things-to-know-about-wine are seemingly infinite, it can be difficult (and intimidating!) to choose a wine. In this series, we’ll explore the fundamentals of wine, from grape varietals to tasting, so that you can tackle a wine list with confidence. Get to […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Winter is Citrus Season

The bright, sunshiny, refreshing juice of citrus fruits screams, “Summer!” But citrus fruits generally reach their peak season during the winter months. What luck for us, since what could be better during the cold, stuck-inside season than a reminder of the sunny days to come. Citrus fruits are prized for […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Winter Sangria

Makes 1 serving Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the orange juice, brandy, wine, and pomegranate juice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry, plus a cinnamon stick and star anise, if you like. Chef’s Note: To make cinnamon-infused red wine, drop 2 cinnamon sticks into a 750 mL […]