Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

10 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Dad

Owing to its place in the calendar, Father’s Day has evolved into a major grilling holiday. That means dads all over the country are celebrated with steaks, when maybe some dads really want something a little sweet for their special day. If you have that kind of dad in your […]

Main Dishes

Chicken-Fried Turkey with Cranberry Relish

Makes 8 servings Inspired by the German influences on regional cuisine, this chicken-friend turkey is our take on an untraditional central Texas-inspired Thanksgiving dish. We made a tangy cranberry relish in place of savory and tart braised cabbage, which is perfectly matched for anything you might find on your holiday […]

Pies and Tarts

Erin McDowell’s Double-Crust Berry Galette

Makes one 10-by-5-inch galette This recipe comes from friend-of-the-CIA, Erin McDowell, a 2009 graduate of our Hyde Park, NY campus. Erin is now a food writer, recipe developer, and talented food stylist, especially well known for her beautiful pies! She has shared this amazing summer berry recipe from her first […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Frozen Aperol Spritz

Makes 8 to 10 servings Come summertime, we think any cocktail can be made better by freezing, and the Aperol Spritz is no exception. Though it is perfect just the way it is, experiment with this recipe to make it just right for you! Add fruit juice, berries, or a […]

Side Dishes

German Potato Salad

Makes 4 to 6 servings German potato salad is a bit tangier than traditional mayo-based versions. Though it’s typically served warm, you can make this ahead and let it come to room temperature before serving. Omit the bacon and sub vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Chef's Blog

In Defense of Spam

Early in the semester, CIA students in my Food Writing course read “On Chicken Tenders,” by Helen Rosner, published in 2015 in Guernica. In this amusing but sincere defense of a derided, children’s menu staple, Rosner effectively argues against those who look down on ordering, eating, and celebrating the “perfect” […]

Salads

Kale, Cashew, and Cranberry Pasta Salad

Makes 4 to 6 portions This pasta salad is great cold or at room temperature (a gift from the meal prep fairies), but it’s just as good hot, if you don’t have time to give it a good chill.