Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Cleaning Octopus and Squid

Cleaning Octopus Octopus is typically sold already cleaned. However, you may need to occasionally remove the viscera, eyes, and beak (sometimes know as the eye). If the octopus you purchase has already been cleaned, simply cut the head away from the legs, and cut into the appropriate size. Baby octopus […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Cleaning Soft Shelled Crab

Soft shelled crab is a summertime delicacy with a short season and limited availability, so when the time comes, you have to be ready! Soft shelled crabs are typical “hard shell” crabs that are caught and prepared during their molting phase. In preparation for shedding, the crab develops a thin, […]

Desserts

Coconut Joys

Makes 81 pieces This coconut filling is similar to some well-known candy bars. It can be dipped in either milk or dark chocolate, depending on your taste. Placing a whole almond on each piece before dipping adds a nice crunch. Keys for Success Cook the sugar accurately to ensure proper […]

Side Dishes

Coconut Rice

Makes 8 servings This rice dish is basic, with a subtle flavor and rich, creamy texture from the coconut milk. We love it to soak up saucy curries, or beside Lemon-Ginger Grilled Chicken or Grilled Baby Octopus. Garnish with herbs, like cilantro and scallion, if you like.

Desserts

Coffee Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/4 quarts, or 8 servings Freshly ground coffee gives this Philadelphia-style ice cream a bold flavor. Coffee beans are sold by variety or as a blend, and in varying degrees of “roast,” from a light, or American, roast to inky black and shiny espresso roast. Coarsely grinding […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Colcannon for St. Patrick’s Day

We love Corned Beef and Cabbage, but as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, we have something else on our mind. Potatoes Colcannon is a classic and traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes and greens–usually cabbage or kale. Sometimes studded with bacon, this dish is open to interpretation by design. Typically […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Colorful Easter Eggs, Naturally

Dying colorful Easter eggs is such a fun craft (yes, for adults, too!), but if you aren’t a fan of store-bought artificial dyes, you may have been avoiding it. But, like, everything, there’s a way to use food to make the experience better! Namely, making your own dyes from colorful […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Common Baking Problems and What They Mean

Even the best-tested recipe can have flaws. After all, we don’t all like our cookies, cakes, or pies exactly the same. Someone’s perfect chocolate chip cookie might be too crisp for you, or too chewy for someone else. The beauty of at-home baking is that you are in charge of […]