Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Arancini di Riso

Makes 12 servings Arancini, or plini, are made from leftover rice made the previous day, which is why we mention in the instructions that you should cook the rice a little longer than usual. That means the rice will be sticky enough to stay together and hold the filling once […]

Main Dishes

Beef Rendang

Makes 8 portions Often inappropriately referred to as dry curry, rendang is an iconic dish of Southeast Asia. Popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, it is often made with beef, but it can also be made with other meats or starchy vegetables. A key to success with this dish is […]

Main Dishes

Bibimbap

Makes 4 servings Chef’s Note: Shiso is in the mint family. If you can’t find shiso leaves in your area, you can substitute peppermint leaves, lemon basil or Thai basil.  These will all provide a pleasant flavor; however, it won’t be quite the same.

Chef's Blog, Main Dishes

Chicken Fried Rice

Makes 4 to 6 servings The key to good fried rice is using leftover rice, which is drier than freshly steamed. In the interest of keeping it simple, our favorite strategy is to keep a zip-top bag in the freezer where you can empty leftover rice from take-out or home-made […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Go-To Convenience Foods for the Busiest Days

“From-scratch” might be what you expect at a great restaurant, or maybe for a special occasion. But for the great majority of home cooks, cooking from scratch three meals a day, every single day is an unrealistic goal, and one that so often leaves us with feelings of guilt and […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Horchata Iced Coffee

Makes 8 servings This horchata and coffee mixture is refreshing and lightly spiced, making it the perfect pick-me-up on those warmer fall days. Adjust the amount or horchata or coffee to your preference, or you can even substitute the brewed coffee for one or two shots of espresso or cold […]

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” […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Italian Rice Varieties

All varieties of rice can be divided into short-, medium- and long-grain varieties. All Italian rice  are strains of a thick, short-grained rice called japonica (Oryza sativa japonica). They may not, to most palates, taste different, but they do behave differently when cooked. There are four grades of rice: Comune […]