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 […]

Desserts

Peanut Brittle

Makes 1 thin sheet Brittle is some of the easiest candy to make, and the pay-off is unbeatable! This basic version uses peanuts, but you can substitute any nuts, especially roughly chopped almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts, or even sesame seeds, pepitas, or oats. Add smoked sea salt or cocoa […]

Cookies, Free Recipes

Pecan Diamonds

The Iconic Pecan Diamond Are they a cookie? A dessert? A bite-size pecan pie? Craig Claiborne of The New York Times called them the “sweet hallmark” of CIA, and they are. Pecan Diamonds have been a CIA tradition for nearly six decades. They were offered to guests with coffee at […]

Cookies

Pignoli Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies Pignolis, also called pine nuts, make a delicious, toasty-tasting cookie. Ingredients 2 1/4 cups sugar 2 cups almond paste 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Pinch kosher salt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup egg whites 1 cup pine nuts, or more as needed Directions Preheat […]

Pies and Tarts

Roasted Ginger Plum Tart with Nut Streusel

This tart makes the best of in-season plums, but you can substitute any stone fruit, like halved cherries, apricots, or nectarines. Makes one 9-inch tart Ingredients Vanilla Tart Dough, fitted into a 9-inch tart pan and chilled 1 1/2 lb plums (7 to 8 medium), rinsed, halved, and pitted 1/2 […]

Desserts

Rochers

Makes 25 pieces Rocher is French for “rock,” and these chocolates just might be named that because they do! There is no limit to the possible combinations of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and cereals that can be made into rochers. These are just a few—use your vision to create your […]

Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Say “I Love You” with Chocolate

We don’t know about you, but when we think about Valentine’s Day, we think chocolate! Chocolate candies, chocolate cookies, chocolate brownies. Hm. Cookies and brownies… If one is great, how good would they be combined!? This Valentine’s Day, if you want to bake something for a special person – maybe […]

Salads

Shaved Fennel, Arugula, Avocado, and Orange Salad

Makes 12 servings This recipe makes a salad to serve a crowd, but you can half the recipe for a great lunch or dinner any day of the week. Take advantage of in-season winter citrus and try different varieties of oranges or tangerines. Ingredients 3 bulbs fennel, shaved 4 very […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Spiced Roasted Almonds

Makes 2 cups These are the perfect recipe to make in bulk at the beginning of the week for a good mid-afternoon desk snack. The spices are really more of a suggestion, so experiment with what you like best. Add chipotle chile powder for a smoky kick, or garam masala […]

Chef's Blog

Sunday Meal Prep: Cookie Edition

This week, we’re borrowing some time from our Sunday meal prep to sneak a few treats into our cookie jars and freezers. Follow our lead and load your freezer with your family’s traditional can’t-miss cookies. Be sure you make your to-do list now so you can relish in the satisfaction […]

Chef's Blog

Surprising plant-based protein sources

In the food world, when we say “protein,” we’re often referring to the meat or fish component of a dish. Historically, the protein is the main focus of a recipe, and it is accompanied by side dishes, like vegetables, grains, or starches. But as we (foodies both at home and […]