Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Glazing Vegetables

When vegetables are fully or partially cooked by steaming, boiling, or roasting, they can be sautéed just long enough to reheat them or to complete cooking them—a technique known as finishing. Whole butter is a common choice for finishing vegetables, but other flavorful cooking fats, such as extra-virgin olive oil, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

How to: Roast Vegetables without a Recipe

As we ease into autumn, we can finally celebrate the return of roasting—especially vegetables. We love roasting because it is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy seasonal fall produce, like hard-skinned squash, cauliflower, fennel, and Brussels sprouts (color = flavor), as well as incredibly easy and hands-off. Even […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Irish-style Lamb Stew

Makes 10 servings Ingredients 4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into spoon-size pieces 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh thyme 3 fresh parsley stems 4 cups (two 10-ounce bags) pearl onions, blanched and peeled (or frozen) […]

Main Dishes

Lamb and Pumpkin Couscous

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a lamb and pumpkin stew served on a bed of couscous. If you want to change it up a little bit, make the dish with Israeli couscous in the style of risotto. It will be creamy and delicious, if not exactly traditional. Ingredients […]

Side Dishes

Maple-Glazed Turnips

Makes 4 servings Pan-steaming, an excellent technique for cooking vegetables, uses a small amount of flavorful liquid in a covered pan. There are two benefits: a quick cooking time that helps retain nutrients and color, and a flavorful liquid you can reduce to make a simple sauce. Ingredients 2 lb […]