Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Pairing Wine with Spicy Foods

In the old days of wine and food pairing, the choice of a particular wine to accompany a particular dish was fairly predictable—white wine with fish, red wine with meat. The pairings were also Eurocentric, meaning that the marriage of food and wine was largely based on the classics. French […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Palmier with Prosciutto

Makes 36 pieces This is a savory variation of a classic French pastry made of puff pastry sprinkled with granulated sugar. The name palmier reflects the palm-leaf shape of the pastry. These palmiers are lined with prosciutto, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese replaces the sugar.

Main Dishes

Pan-Fried Chicken Breast with Prosciutto

Makes 6 servings We don’t fry every day, but when we do, it’s crispy chicken stuffed with cheese and prosciutto. We love this recipe for its versatility, so don’t be afraid to swap out fillings to suit your tastes. Add Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, caramelized onions, or even chopped Steamed Broccoli […]

Chef's Blog, Main Dishes

Pan-Steamed Cilantro and Pork Dumplings

Makes 8 servings Many hands make quick work, though if the company is good, why hurry? Gather your favorite sous chefs to prepare these flavorful dumplings, which are as fun to make as they are to eat. Remember, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and ugly dumplings are […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Pan-Steaming for Tender-Crisp Veggies

Pan-steaming is a technique that cooks food partially submerged in liquid and covered to produce steam. Similar to shallow poaching, pan-steaming is primarily used for vegetables or other tender, quick-cooking items like steamed dumplings or shrimp. By creating hot steam in a closed environment, this technique produces bright, tender-crisp vegetables […]

Desserts

Panna Cotta

Makes 5 servings You can flavor panna cotta with many things, including vanilla, cracked coffee beans, lemon zest, cardamom pods, or anything else you fancy. For different flavors simply add the flavoring ingredient to the milk and let infuse for about 30 minutes while it is heating and then strain […]

Desserts, Pies and Tarts

Panna Cotta Pie

Makes one 9-inch pie When it is too hot to turn on the oven, this cool and creamy vanilla cream pie is perfect. For just a bit of kick, pair it with fresh strawberries or raspberries seasoned with a splash of aged balsamic vinegar.

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Pantry Potential: Toasted Breadcrumbs

When you think outside of their everyday uses—as a breading for chicken cutlets or binder in meatloaf—simple prepared breadcrumbs take on a new life and make simple ingredients extra delicious. When cooked quickly in a fat, like olive oil or butter, breadcrumbs not only become more intensely savory and flavorful, […]