Chef's Notes Plus

How to: Roast Vegetables without a Recipe

As we ease into autumn, we can finally celebrate the return of roasting—especially vegetables. We love roasting because it is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy seasonal fall produce, like hard-skinned squash, cauliflower, fennel, and Brussels sprouts (color = flavor), as well as incredibly easy and hands-off. Even […]

Chef's Blog

How-To: How to Caramelize Onions

Have you ever seen caramelized onions in a recipe and just can’t seem to get them right? The trick is to BE PATIENT! First, you must sweat the onions and get rid of the moisture, then the natural sugars will start to do their thing and caramelize slowly and that’s […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Insalata di Riso (Rice Salad)

Serves 8 to 10 Make this with whole grains such as brown rice, spelt, or barley if you prefer. Increase the cooking time for these grains and cook them long enough to be tender to the bite. Ingredients Kosher salt, as needed 1 lb (2 2/3 cups) Carnaroli or Arborio […]

Side Dishes

Moroccan-Style Carrot Salad

Serves 8 Ingredients 2 lb carrots (peeled and thinly sliced) 2 garlic cloves 4 tablespoon olive oil Juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon ground cumin Small pinch of cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon minced cilantro 1 teaspoon minced parsley 2 onions, finely chopped 1 cup chopped dates Directions In a medium […]

Main Dishes, Sandwiches

Onion, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Roll-Ups

Makes 4 servings These roll-ups are a variation on an onion tart with blue cheese and walnuts. Red wine is a natural with this hearty appetizer. It was paired with Whitecliff Vineyard’s Merlot at a vegetarian wine tasting event in New York State’s Hudson River Valley. Both the roll-ups and […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Recipes Between the Lines: Caramelizing Onions

The phrase “caramelized onions” is tossed out on menus or recipes like they’re no big deal. Standard, everyday stuff that people are making in their kitchens after a long day at work.  The reality of caramelized onions is a little different. Yes, they’re simple to make. Slice onions and cook […]

Side Dishes

Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

Makes 6 servings This is the quickest way to make your whole house smell amazing, and you’ll use this flavor-filled sauté over steaks, on sandwiches and burgers, or tossed into pasta. Ingredients 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup canola oil 1 large yellow onion, sliced (about […]

Main Dishes

Spicy Kung Pao Tofu with Peanuts and Zucchini Noodles

Makes 8 Servings Ingredients 1 lb extra firm tofu, drained Kosher salt, as needed 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or sherry 2 tablespoons sesame oil Sauce 2 tablespoons bean sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons chile paste with garlic 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 2 cups peanut […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Spring is For Foodies

Welcome, spring! After a cold winter, nothing is more welcome than the first signs of the season: bright green shoots poking through the soil, buzzing bumblebees, and—my favorite, naturally—new produce! Having grown up in The Garden State and after many years in New York’s Hudson Valley, I consider myself a […]

Chef's Notes Plus

The Perfect Condiment for Summer Sandwiches

It’s Laura here, your DISH editor and certified beach bum. I grew up at the Jersey Shore, and between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were three priorities: swim, sun, snacks. For me, the perfect beach snacks are as follows: cubed melon, pretzel rods (not sticks), shortbread cookies for a […]

Soups and Stews

VEGAN CREAMY BROCCOLI SOUP

Serves 8 Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 small yellows onions, diced 1 cup chopped carrots 2 small Yukon gold potatoes, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 10 cups chopped broccoli florets and stems, reserved separately 8 cups vegetable broth 1 cup raw cashews 2 teaspoons cider vinegar 2 teaspoons […]