Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

All About Gnocchi

Gnocchi may have a longer history than pasta in Italy. A cookbook from the fourteenth century includes a recipe for gnocchi made by mashing together cheese and egg and mixing them with flour to make a dumpling. Today, you can find gnocchi made from potatoes, semolina, polenta, squash, ricotta, and […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Cheese and Potato Cigars

Makes about 20 small-bite servings These crispy little bites can be filled with spare mashed potatoes for a Thanksgiving appetizer, or leftovers for a next-day reward for a busy host! Though they are best fried, you can brush them with oil and bake them at 425°F for a little less […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Crab and Mushroom Chowder

Makes 8 servings Many supermarkets now carry a greater selection of mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini mushrooms. You can make this delicious chowder using a single variety or a combination. Avoid white mushrooms, though; they don’t have the flavor and texture needed for this hearty soup.

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Dress Up Your Mashed Potatoes Without a Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a staple at the Thanksgiving dinner table. But that doesn’t mean they have to be the same year after year (not that anyone has ever complained about a perfectly creamy mashed potato). If you start with a great base recipe—here’s our favorite—you can turn a simple mashed […]

Main Dishes

Potato Gnocchi

Makes 1 1/2 lb dough Cooking and drying your potatoes properly, and mixing in just the right amount of flour, is the key to success. While you are just learning to make these dumplings, we strongly suggest that you prepare a couple of test gnocchi first so that yours won’t […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Rutabaga Stew

Makes 8 servings This dish is a good representative of the one-pot dishes in German cuisine. Hearty and easy to prepare with simple means, these types of stews provide a substantial meal, especially during cold winter seasons.