Chef's Notes Plus

Say Aloha to Summer with a Tiki Bash

There’s one weekend of summer left (what!?), which kind of begs for a party! If you’re throwing together a last-minute get-together, there is no better strategy than to make it a tiki party—and here’s why: Fun outfits. Tasty drinks. Delicious but low-effort food. Quality kitsch décor. Extraordinary music. OK, so […]

Soups and Stews

Shrimp Bisque

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 13 oz shrimp shells (from about 4 lb shrimp) (see note) 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) butter 1 1/2 cups minced onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, plus more as needed 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1/4 cup brandy 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 […]

Free Recipes, Sandwiches

Shrimp Rolls

Makes 4 sandwiches Chef’s tip: Shrimp are sold in sizes or “counts” that are expressed in number per pound. For example, shrimp labeled “16/20” indicates the average number of shrimp per pound. Shrimp larger than 16/20 are denoted with a “U” for “under.” U-15 means that there are fewer than […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Silken Tofu and Cucumber Dip

Makes 12 servings Tofu is misunderstood, but we think its perceived flaws (soft, bland) are also its strengths. Because it is so neutral in flavor, tofu is actually a great base for dips and plant-forward creamy recipes, like puddings and creamy soups, because it adds protein and texture without the […]

Free Recipes, Soups and Stews

Silky Zucchini Soup

Makes 4 servings This simple summer recipe is inspired by the menu at Savor on our San Antonio, Texas campus. Garnish the soup with diced, julienned, or shaved zucchini, if you like. We especially like it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping! This recipe makes about four 1 […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Simple Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer Produce

Every year, we try to avoid it, but it is inevitable: summer will end eventually—though luckily, only temporarily. Summer produce doesn’t leave quietly, and in its waning weeks, our gardens and farm stands explode with cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, eggplants! The mountains of produce are daunting, but irresistible, since in […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Smoked Pork Belly

Makes 5 to 6 servings Pork belly is literally the belly portion of the pig. It’s where bacon comes from, and like bacon, it is a delicious piece of meat. While it cooks, the fat renders from the belly and naturally bastes the strips of tender meat. Pair it with […]

Main Dishes

Soft-Shell Crabs with Grilled Scallions and Lemon Polenta

Makes 6 servings Soft-shell crabs are in season in the spring, so keep your eye out because the soft-shell season doesn’t last that long. Be sure to have the apron, lungs, and eyes removed by your fishmonger and use the crabs as soon as possible. Ingredients Preserved Lemon Zest 3 […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Solterito Nikkei (Peruvian Edamame Salad with Seaweed)

Makes 4 servings In Peru, choclo can be found as an accompaniment to nearly any dish, and in this chilled salad, it marries with soybeans and seaweed inspired by this Peruvian-Japanese fusion dish. Look for frozen choclo at specialty markets or online. Don’t mistake it for the crunchy, corn-nut-style commonly […]

Sandwiches

Spiced Pork Pitas

Makes 6 servings Boston butt steaks are slices off of a larger Boston butt roast. They are usually about 1-inch thick, and unlike the larger roast, you can grill them hot and fast for a juicy, tender meat. If you can’t find the Boston butt steak, ask your butcher if […]