Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Christmas Cookie Must-Haves

A person’s Christmas cookie plate is very personal, but we believe the perfect plate of holiday cookies contains representatives from all of the major cookie groups: chocolate, fruity, nutty, shortbread, and spice. These categories are broad with plenty of room for interpretation, but if you hit each one, you’re sure […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Holiday Cookies

There’s a lot to love about the holidays, but cookies are pretty high on the list. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite cookie recipes to help inspire your baking. Remember that nearly all cookies are great for freezing, whether in baked or raw dough form, so get a […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Not-So-Spooky Halloween Treats

Whether you’re a kid or kid-at-heart, Halloween is a fun calendar-sanctioned reason to eat candy, and we are here for it. If you need a little inspiration for some treats for your holiday get together, start with a few of our favorite ghoul-worthy nibbles. Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Cupcakes Pumpkin Date Cake […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Recipes for Spring Asparagus

One of the first sure signs of spring is the appearance of asparagus at the local markets. Tender, with that sweet, vegetal flavor that we all crave after a cold winter, asparagus becomes the star of any dish. And though it shines simply grilled, steamed, or roasted, we have a […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Favorite Summer Produce (and How to Use Them)

No matter what part of the country you live in, summer is the season of abundance. Farmers’ markets are full to overflowing, and backyard gardens are starting to produce in earnest. Who wouldn’t want to cook with all those colors and flavors for inspiration? We’ll highlight some of our favorites […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Our Foodie Dad Gift Guide

Is your dad a Foodie? And, no, we’re not just talking about Grill Masters—though they’re included—but also the dad who loves a sweet treat, is always your plus one to try a new restaurant, and who believes the best days include chilled oysters and an ice cold beer. If that […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Our Ten Favorite Recipes to Cook for Mom

A special recipe doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be delicious! If you want to make something special for your Mom this weekend, try one of these sure-to-please dishes. There’s something for every Mom, or anyone you love like one! Onion Soup Gratineé Croque Monsieur  Crab and […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Oven-Roasting Tomatoes

Roasting tomatoes concentrates the bright sweetness of the ripe fruit. You can use roasted tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes in nearly any recipe for added richness, or in recipes that call for canned “fire-roasted” tomatoes. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for oven roasting. Plum tomatoes are a great choice since they […]

Soups and Stews

Pacific Seafood Chowder

Makes 8 servings This is a favorite cold-day recipe from The Cuisines of the Americas at The Culinary Institute of America. Use whatever fresh fish and seafood you’d like, including clams, mussels, lobster, or cod.