Chef's Notes Plus

From the Garden: Basil Vinaigrette

I absolutely cannot keep a plant alive. Not even the easy ones, like aloe, even though I really try. The only plant that survives my path of destruction is basil, which is really a yearly tale of resilience. Now it’s mid-August, and for those of us who don’t know how […]

Allergen Friendly, Soups and Stews

Gazpacho

Makes 8 servings This is a very simple, straightforward, no-frills gazpacho recipe. It is tangy and fresh, with a full-bodied texture thanks to a generous pour of olive oil. Experiment with proportions to find your perfect balance. Ingredients 4 lb tomatoes, cored and chopped 2 cups chopped green pepper 2 […]

Side Dishes

Green Lentils with Chard and Lemon

Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients 1 lb dried green lentils (lentilles du Puy) 3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup chopped cilantro Kosher salt, to taste 10 large Swiss chard leaves, stemmed and cut into chiffonade (see Chef’s Note) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Grilled Artichokes with Romesco Sauce

Makes 5 portions If you’ve never grilled an artichoke, prepare to be hooked. Their unmistakable flavor and creamy flesh is made all the more crave-worthy when slightly charred. It is the ideal accompaniment to savory romesco sauce, but you’ll enjoy it drizzled with tahini, garlic aioli, or even just a […]

Side Dishes

Grits with Corn and Hominy

Makes 4 to 6 servings This dish combines three types of corn for a hearty side. Try it for breakfast with a fried egg and plenty of hot sauce. Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large yellow onion, minced (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 cup seeded […]

Allergen Friendly, Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Guacamole

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 5 Hass avocados 1/4 cup lime juice 1 Roma tomato, diced 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste Kosher salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed Directions Soak the red […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Holiday Entertaining Tips for Special Diets

Entertaining guests with special diets is not new, but it certainly seems to be more common. As we all become more health-conscious and aware of what makes us feel good (and bad!), we face lots of ingredient hurdles as we prepare for our holiday meals. If cooking for special diets […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Home School: Easy Tomato Sauce

Reasons Why You Might Want to Make Tomato Sauce This Week: It’s delicious, and pasta is a pretty efficient comfort food. It’s also versatile and good for more than pasta (read: pizza, stirred into broth to make a soup, smeared on bread, etc.) It’s easy. It’s endlessly customizable, meaning you […]