Chef's Notes Plus

Raclette is for Lovers

Cheese may not be a popular first date food, but as far as we’re concerned, nothing unites two people better than an interactive shared meal of absolute perfection. And that can really only be raclette. Half dinner, half get-together, this traditional cheese dish rivals fondue for popularity in its home […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks, Salads

Radish Salad with Pork Cracklings

Makes 8 servings In Mexican cooking, chicharrones, also known as pork rinds and pork cracklings, are made by deep-frying cooked and dehydrated pork skin until it is crispy and puffy. Commonly obtained commercially, they are used for stews and stuffing for tortas and tacos. In other Latin American and Caribbean […]

Main Dishes

Ragù Bolognese

Makes 6 servings Bolognese is essentially a meat stew with a small amount of tomato added— although Americans often confuse it for a tomato sauce with some meat added. The sauce is cooked slowly to develop a deep, rich flavor. In Italy it is traditionally served with tagliatelle pasta and […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Raisin Bread with a Cinnamon Swirl

Makes 2 loaves This dough is sprinkled with fragrant cinnamon sugar before rolling up, creating a swirl. Mixing raisins into the dough studs the entire loaf with plump, sweet fruit. Although the recipe calls for dark raisins, you could easily substitute dried currants or diced dried apricots or prunes.

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Raspberry Mascarpone Tart

Makes one 9-inch tart A simple but stunning tart that features ripe raspberries on a layer of lemon and honey-sweetened mascarpone. Try substituting other berries depending on what is available at your local farm stand. Strawberries are a typical early summer choice, but as the berry season comes into full […]

Cookies, Desserts

Raspberry-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Makes 4 dozen cookies Soft and tender, with a tart jam filling, these are ideal cookies to enjoy with a cup of tea (or, maybe your morning coffee!). We’ve used raspberry jam, but you can use any you would prefer. These cookies can be baked in advance. Store wrapped at […]

Main Dishes

Ravioli Filled with Beets, Butter, and Poppy Seeds

Makes 6 servings The bright red beet shines through the pasta dough, making these beautiful ravioli the perfect dish for entertaining. They make for a great pasta course or vegetarian main, but you can add bacon or prosciutto to the stuffing for a more complex flavor.