Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Béchamel Sauce

Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup minced yellow onion 5 cups milk, warm Salt, as needed Ground black or white pepper, as needed Freshly grated nutmeg, as needed (optional) Directions In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil and butter. […]

Pantry

Berbere Spice Paste

Makes 2 3/4 cups Berbere is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend made with chiles, warming spices, fenugreek, and other aromatic ingredients. Use this paste to rub meats, poultry, and fish before grilling. Ingredients 4 pequin chiles, seeds and stem removed 2 teaspoons cardamom seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Cataplana Clams

Makes 5 small-bite servings A cataplana is a hammered copper, hinged pot of Portuguese origin that resembles a clam shell. It is used to steam shellfish and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. Besides being fun to cook in and a bit unusual, it also looks […]

Soups and Stews

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Makes 6 Servings A hot bowl of chicken soup nourishes more than just our bellies, and this recipe is the perfect way to share your warmth and good cheer. Substitute vegetable broth and cooked black beans for the chicken for your vegetarian friends and family.

Breakfast and Brunch

Chilaquiles With Mushrooms

Makes 8 servings This recipe uses freshly fried tortillas, but you can substitute store-bought corn tortilla chips. Add shredded cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, or pulled pork, if you like. Ingredients 1 lb white mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 medium white onion, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced […]

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 […]

Soups and Stews

Cream Of Broccoli Soup

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb broccoli, separated into stems and florets, stems peeled 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 leek, white and light green parts, chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 6 cups vegetable stock or chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream, […]

Soups and Stews

Cream Of Tomato Soup

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 1 quart vegetable stock One 28-oz can plum tomatoes 1 cup heavy cream Kosher salt, as needed Ground white pepper, as needed Basil chiffonade, as needed Directions Heat the oil in a […]