Chef's Blog

Kid-Friendly Lunch Recipe for Back to School

Back-to-school was always my favorite season. I was never a summer kid, and heading back to the classroom meant cooler weather, new Lisa Frank school supplies, and school friends! Since the day I learned how, I don’t think I have stopped talking. At home I had three older brothers who […]

Side Dishes

Lima Bean & Roasted Corn Succotash

Makes 8 servings This dish sounds simple, but the addition of tarragon adds something a little unexpected and savory. For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute olive oil for the butter. Ingredients 1 1/2 lb frozen lima beans, defrosted 4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen (defrosted if frozen) 1/3 […]

Main Dishes, Sandwiches

Madeira-Glazed Portobello Sandwiches

Makes 8 servings Portobello mushrooms a dense, meaty texture when cooked. They can be prepared for this recipe a day ahead; cool the broiled mushroom caps completely and refrigerate until needed. Slice the mushrooms and allow them to return to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches. Use dry marsala or […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Making a Stew Without a Recipe

At it’s very most basic, a stew is bite-sized pieces of food cooked in a liquid, generally over low heat for an extended period. You can stew meat, poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit—virtually anything—in broth, wine, beer, vinegar. Again, virtually anything. Stews are kitchen workhorses. You can make big batches […]

Chef's Blog

Making Quick and Easy Vegetable Stock

Stocks and broths are the literal foundation of every soup, stew, and braise we make, and that’s why we are extra enthusiastic about using homemade stocks (or broths, but let’s just say stocks from now on!) whenever possible. We aren’t oblivious to the absolute convenience of the store-bought versions—or to […]

Chef's Blog

Menus of Change: Maximizing Flavor

At CIA Foodies and our members’ page DISH, we embrace the Menus of Change principles for healthy, sustainable, and delicious food choices at home. With recipes, technique posts, and instructive videos, you’ll find the tools you need to build your kitchen confidence. Whether you follow a special diet, enjoy plant-forward […]

Chef's Blog

Menus of Change: Plant Protein

At CIA Foodies and our members’ page DISH, we embrace the Menus of Change principles for healthy, sustainable, and delicious food choices at home. With recipes, technique posts, and instructive videos, you’ll find the tools you need to build your kitchen confidence. Whether you follow a special diet, enjoy plant-forward […]

Chef's Blog

Menus of Change: Plant-Forward Cooking

At CIA Foodies and our members’ page DISH, we embrace the Menus of Change principles for healthy, sustainable, and delicious food choices at home. With recipes, technique posts, and instructive videos, you’ll find the tools you need to build your kitchen confidence. Whether you follow a special diet, enjoy plant-forward […]

Side Dishes

Mixed Grain Pilaf

Makes 6 cups, approximately 10 to 12 servings This pilaf is delicious, but neutral flavored, making it a great mix-and-match meal prep recipe. Eat at as a hot side dish, chilled and sprinkled over green salads, or mixed with leftover meats and veggies to stuff peppers or eggplant. Ingredients 2 […]

Allergen Friendly, Main Dishes, One-Dish Meals

Moo Shu Vegetables

Makes 8 servings Sweet and spicy crisp vegetables wrapped in paper thin pancakes make a healthy and easy alternative to ordering in. Moo shu pancakes are available in Asian groceries and well-stocked supermarkets, but if you cannot find the pancakes, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute. Don’t be […]