Bread dough is made from very few ingredients, and each one counts. This includes the most basic, likely least-considered ingredient: water. The rule of thumb here is that if you enjoy drinking it, you can use it for baking bread. However, there are three important ways water quality can affect […]
Makes 1 quart sauce Beurre blanc is a classic French sauce, made creamy thanks to the emulsion formed between the fat (butter!) and the liquid (wine). The key to not breaking an emulsion is patience and an even, moderate cooking temperature, so take your time adding the butter and take […]
Makes 12 muffins
Challah, an enriched and truly delicious bread, is prized for its tender crumb, but identifiable by its glossy crust and characteristic braid. It is unmistakable among the other crisp crusts and rustic shapes. As part of ancient Jewish traditions, challah dough can be simply braided from three strands, like we […]
Makes 5 servings
Curing meats, poultry, and fish in a salt and water solution is known as brining or wet curing. Brining provides depth in flavor, tenderness, and a moister final product. The base of a brine is salt and water, and sometimes sugar. Kosher salt is preferred because it doesn’t have any […]
Makes 12 biscuits
One of the most frequently asked questions from guests at our CIA campuses is: “Can I freeze this?” And it’s a good question! After all, no matter how much you like to cook, there are some days that having a back-up dinner ready to go can be a life-saver. You’ll […]
Some of our favorite baking and pastry recipes include a sugar syrup cooked to a rich, dark color and a complex flavor. This basic technique can be used to make hard caramelized sugar or to make soft and creamy caramel sauce or candy. 1. Setting Up Select a heavy pan […]
Sunday is Mother’s Day, and we think the best way to celebrate the mother-figure in your life is with your undivided attention and lots and lots of fun! We, of course, are partial to anything that happens in the kitchen. If your mom also loves a fun foodie project, we’ve […]
Makes 4 portions Choclo is large-kernel corn, typically available frozen at grocery stores or specialty markets, that can be treated just like every day sweet corn kernels. Cancha is similarly large-kernel corn that is fried and crunchy, like an American-style corn nut.