Memorial Day is a day of rememberance for those of us who have family and loved ones in the military. It is also a day to celebrate the arrival of summer, the end of school, and for our graduates the start of new things to come. Plus, here at CHEFS we kick off our Annual Memorial Day Sale!
Categories: Food & Recipes, In The Spotlight
How to cook and eat an artichoke for the first time.
You’ve successfully canned your vegetables and fruits. Now, what are you going to do with all those jars? What are the safety concerns with canned food?
After spending the summer eating the harvest of your backyard vegetable garden, it may be hard to go back to buying your veggies from the grocery store.
Canning one’s own food used to be seen as quaint. Okay in a nostalgic “It reminds me of my Grandma” sort of way, but nearly obsolete in a practical sense. However, canning is making a comeback.
Our friends at Cook's Country share a comprehensive cannning 101 tutorial. Never tried canning before? This is a great place to start! Plus we are givingaway 5 copies of Grandma's Kitchen cookbook from the Cook's Country publisher. Come inside to find out how to enter.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
Canning is a fantastic way to preserve foods you love, from jams and jellies to all manner of pickles, so you can enjoy them throughout the year. Read more at CHEFS Mix, a kitchen blog by CHEFS.
You don’t have to fix beef and pork barbecue style to cook either on the grill. If you do it right, grilling allows fat to melt away and a delectable smoke flavor to remain.
For many people, grilling is all about the main course—but that is too limiting for a true brazier professional. Vegetables and fruit also taste great off the grill.
Pretty much everyone has grilled chicken, but when it comes to grilling fish many people are a little hesitant. Don’t be. It’s much easier than you think.
There are many different styles of barbecue. Join us as we look at five distinct American traditions. Read More
We love cooking on a grill—and not just in the summer! Chances are you do, too. These tools will help you grill like a professional.
When it comes to cooking with eggs, the possibilities are endless. They can be used in breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and more. From the simple to the sumptuous, eggs are the perfect addition to any meal.
Crêpes originated in Brittany, France, and are often described as paper-thin pancakes. However, the crêpe has a much wider use than the pancake does and is often served for any meal of the day.
We don’t understand why Mom only gets pampered once a year. But, if Mother’s Day is that one time—with a little planning you can make it special.
CHEFS French fry baking sheet can help you enjoy fried foods again—without the use of oil.
Buying nonstick bakeware saves you time—and frustration. No longer will you scrub off food stains and particles after baking.
With this complete set of nonstick cookware, I have the ability to whip up some hearty soups, make my favorite pasta dishes with little effort, and even reheat delicious leftovers.
Categories: Product Place
Nonstick pots and pans are great for the kitchen, but proper care will help extend the life of your cookware and keep that nonstick surface performing perfectly.
Categories: Product Place, Tips & Advice
Nonstick cookware was discovered accidentally back in 1938—and has been making cleanup a breeze since. Come discover some differences in the nonstick coatings, tips for use, and what to look for when shopping for nonstick cookware.
Categories: Product Place, Tips & Advice
Fava beans are delicious and rich in nutritional value. After fava beans have been shucked, they're traditionally added to stews, soups and salads.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
Find out which pasta shape will create the best texture and taste for your dish. The sauce you use depends on which pasta shape you choose.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
Want to learn to make homemade pasta? Start with these handy how-to's for novice chefs. A quick tutorial for making healthy, fresh, homemade pasta
Categories: Tips & Advice
The PastaMaster 3000's easy-to-understand instructions, simply mechanics and bevy of options make it a great investment for aspiring pasta chefs. One of our team member's takes the new Lello PastaMaster for a test drive. Learn what she liked about this new pasta maker.
Categories: Product Place
More new products available in the new summer CHEFS catalog. Learn more about Staub cookware now available at CHEFS.
Categories: Product Place
Our newest catalog has just launched. We are taking a peek at some of the new items that are available at CHEFS Catalog.
Categories: In The Spotlight, Product Place
One last post about cakes! No one wants to sacrifice taste to make something healthier. Good news - you can still indulge in your favorite slice of cake without all of the added sugar and fat!
Using the right technique, the icing on your layer cake will look like Duff Goldman got ahold of it.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
If you don't have the right pan for your cake recipe, don't sweat it! There are plenty of pans that can be used as substitutes.
Categories: Tips & Advice
Whether you love rich dark chocolate, light fruity flavors or something in-between, you can encompass all of your favorite tastes with a layer cake
Useful, colorful and fun infographics you need in your kitchen.
Categories: Tips & Advice
Forget everything you know about salads! Rethink your greens with these delicious recipes you can try at home.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Salad spinners allow you to remove water from your leafy greens, keeping your salads crisp and encouraging you to wash your produce thoroughly.
Categories: Product Place, Tips & Advice
Spring simply screams leafy greens, fresh berries and fragrant herbs - the components of a truly delicious spring salad.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Mother's Day is quickly approaching. And if you haven't seen our new Limited Edition Mom's Kitchen KitchenAid Stand Mixer, come on in and take a look. Plus we are giving one away: don't forget to enter the CHEFS Mother's Day Giveaway!
Categories: In The Spotlight, Product Place
If you have read the CHEFS In Season this month, you know the feature ingredient is Pineapple. Sweet, juicy pineapple. It is a delicious addition to sweet, savory and spicy recipes. But the tough exterior of the pineapple can be a challenge to get through. Today, we are looking at two ways to peel and core a pineapple: using a pineapple corer and using an old-fashioned serrated knife. See how you can peel and core a pineapple in under a minute.
Categories: Product Place, Tips & Advice
Flowers are blooming! The sweet, fragrant smell of Spring is in the air. Gardeners are planning and planting their spring and summer crops. As plants begin to flower, using the edible blossoms is a great way to spice up your springtime meals!
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
CHEFS Spring Sale has begun! Plus FREE Shipping!
Categories: In The Spotlight
From late winter to early spring is the prime season for maple sugaring—when the sap of the maple tree is collected and turned into maple syrup and other tasty items. Come discover a bit about the process and try some delicious recipes made with a hint of maple sweetness.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Colored eggs are beautiful symbols for the rebirth that comes with spring. I have been on the hunt for some new and interesting ways of making Easter Eggs this year. I have come across several unique and interesting kitchen crafts you may want to try this year!
Categories: In The Spotlight
We are in love with waffles! Fluffy waffles for breakfast, waffle fries for lunch, and even waffles for dinner. But what is the best waffle maker? We looked at a few waffle makers, and made a whole lot of waffles. Here is what we like and didn't like about each, plus a recipe or two for yummy waffles from our friends at Cook's Country.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Product Place
Some evenings I get caught in a side dish rut. I can usually come up with a tasty and unique main dish, but when it comes to starch-based sides, I get stuck in the rice or potato circle of cooking. Why do I never remember to make couscous?
Categories: Food & Recipes
I love breakfast for dinner. It is one of my all-time favorite dinner menus. Come checkout these breakfast recipes remade just for dinner!
Categories: Food & Recipes
Somedays I dream of childhood favorites like mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and corn dogs. For one reason or another, whether it is a change in tastes or seeking better nutrition, as we grow into adults we leave those kind of meals behind. However, we say it is time to reclaim those favorites! With that in mind, we took a look at 5 kid favorites, and remake them into adult friendly dishes that will satisfy the kid in you!
Today is National Pi day. While some folks will probably celebrate the mathematical constant, we choose to celebrate the sweeter tradition of pie! Pie is an American tradition. Whether it is served a la mode or with cheese, pie is one of my favorite ways to finish a meal. We have some tricks and tips for perfecting pie crusts
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
Looking for a quick, one-dish meal idea with plenty of room for creativity? Try making one of these five delicious stir-fry dishes. Plus hints and tips on making stir-frys, the wok, and common Asian ingredients.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
I have made this chocolate chip cookie recipe hundreds of times. It is my family's favorite and is usually the cookie of choice filling my cookie jar. This past weekend something went terribly wrong. So a little research later, and I know what went wrong. Here are some cookie baking hints to help you the next time you are tempted to make cookies.
Categories: Tips & Advice
Tonight is a movie night at my house. We are going to put in an old classic, relax, and enjoy a family night together. But movie night means snack. And I love good buttery popcorn with a movie, but the family usually wants more. Here are some of our favorite snack ideas perfect for your next movie night.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Okay, I couldn't resist the pun! The design of a tool crock for the kitchen seems like a no brainer. What could we possible do to a utensil crock to make it that great? Well, let me count the ways…
Categories: Product Place
Looking for a good side dish that is a little different? Try Broccoli Rabe. Poor Broccoli Rabe gets passed over at the market. I was picking some up just the other day to make Broccoli Rabe With Northern White Beans and Cavatelli. Another shopper asked me what the vegetable was. I felt a little sorry for her and broccoli rabe. Don't miss out on this tasty veggie.
Coconut is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. You can use the meat, juice, milk and oil. It can be baked in sweet treats and added to savory meals. But first you have to crack the thing open.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
St. Patrick's Day is only 13 days away. Soon rivers and beer will be running green, as communities celebrate Irish heritage. From Irish soda bread to chocolate stout brownies, try these delicious recipes to celebrate all things Irish.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Black Genoa figs are quite dark, with red and white seeds inside, and they are by far the most common variety you will find in stores. Adriatic figs are better enjoyed dried and Brown Turkey figs are large, dark purple figs that tend to be extremely juicy. Both these types are usually avoided in cooking. Finally, Mission figs are known for their chewy texture, Calimyrna figs stand out thanks to their sweet flavor and Kadota figs feature a light green color and ten to be a little less sweet than the other varieties. Try these simple fig recipes for dinner tonight!
Categories: Food & Recipes
CHEFS friends from Cook's Country share some tips for selecting, prepping, and cooking asparagus. Plus get Cook's Country recipes for Parmesan Asparagus and Creams Asparagus Soup.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
A wintery, February day puts us in the mood for more comfort food. Today we are craving Chicken Pot Pie. It may be cold on the outside, but this delicious meal keeps us warm on the inside!
Categories: Food & Recipes, In The Spotlight
Sometimes, only a favorite meal is going to satisfy your hunger. For me, that usually means a childhood comfort food favorite. This past week the flu did a good job of putting me out of commission. All I wanted to eat was chicken and dumplings, one of my favorite comfort foods. Chicken soup was not going to do it, especially not the canned kind. A few quick substitutions made a good weeknight version of this Southern classic.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
This Sunday, Hollywood will celebrate its biggest night of the year – The Academy Awards! This year, with so many outstanding blockbuster movies as contenders, it is sure to be an exciting and suspenseful ceremony. So, whether you’re a movie buff, or just looking for an excuse to throw a party, why not throw an Oscar soirée for your friends and enjoy the hilarious acceptance speeches and nail-biting suspense together! We have come up with 10 recipes for a 2013 Oscar party, with each recipe corresponding to one movie nominated for Best Picture. Make them all to get into the spirit of the event, or pick-and-choose to root for your favorite films.
Categories: Food & Recipes
A quick banana bread, coffee cake, or muffins are easy to make and delicious for breakfast as a snack or for dessert. Most quick bread recipes are versatile and substituting ingredients is fairly easy. However, quick breads can be challenging to keep moist. Try these hints and tips to keep your quick breads moist and delicious.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
I got myself on a squash kick. After posting yesterday I made some Spaghetti Squash for dinner. Spaghetti squash, in my opinion, is one of the most underutilized vegetables in the kitchen. A winter squash like pumpkin, this is a delicious and healthy option for either a main course or a side dish.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Few vegetables are as dependable - or as heartily satisfying - during these cold months as winter squash. While most other vegetables are coming from the hothouse and do not have the same flavor as the spring crops, this is the time when winter squash is at its peak. I can find a wide assortment at my grocer: from butternut to kabocha, there is a squash for any meal, savory or sweet.
Categories: Food & Recipes
I tend to stay away from foodie trends. Do not get me wrong, I love trying new recipes and new foods. I just am turned-off by fad foodie trends: they are not typically my cup of tea. But with the Meatless Monday trend, I have enjoyed many of the recipes that have been published specifically for this weekly, single-day celebration of more plant-based diets. And at one time having a Meatless Monday was a patriotic duty. Today, I thought I would share a couple of delicious Meatless Monday recipes that make a regular appearance on my dinner table!
Categories: Food & Recipes
While a plate of cheese and crackers, sliced fruit and a side bowl of Planters peanuts have long been Friday night staples if you’re entertaining, why not take a cue from the French, up the artisan ante, and turn that customary party spread into a well-designed and creative charcuterie board?
Categories: Food & Recipes
I was noshing on croissants that I made this weekend, and thought how good some fresh marmalade would taste on them. Out came the stockpot, fresh oranges and sugar. When I was finished the sunny orange jars were a welcome bit of warmth for the cold mornings of winter. Try this orange marmalade recipe, I think you will agree, it is a fresh, delicious addition to any morning routine.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Still looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day menu for you and your love? How about a traditional Russian Beef Stroganoff?
Categories: Food & Recipes
Winter came back for a visit after I thought the warm weather was going to stick around. With our most recent snow storm, I pulled the slow cooker back out to make some warming, winter-weather comfort food. Try one of these 5 stews in your slow cooker for dinner tomorrow.
Still haven't figured out what to make for Valentine's night dinner? Today we present a menu that keeps the cooking time to mid-week friendly, but is a little more special than an everday weeknight meal. Added bonus: you probably have most of the ingredients right in the pantry!
Categories: Food & Recipes
I love croissants! Their tender and flaky texture and buttery flavor are just an ideal combination. Like chocolate and souffles, there is something about the croissant that just is synonymous with Valentine's Day and sweethearts. Maybe it is the vague beginning of a heart in the crescent shape of the pastry, or maybe it is just because they are most associated with Paris, the City of Love and Lights. Whatever the reason, I think they are the perfect pastry for Valentine's Day. Today we take a look at how to make croissants with a perfected recipe from America's Test Kitchen.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Wüsthof collaborated with the famous Le Cordon Bleu Cooking Academy to create forged knives with unique features that set them apart from other kitchen knives. Today we will explore what makes the Wüsthof Le Cordon Bleu cutlery stand out for the home chef.
Categories: Product Place
At its simplest, sugar is a carbohydrate that is present in every fruit and vegetable. Plants make sugar through photosynthesis and then store it as food. In the United States, common white sugar or sucrose comes from sugar cane and sugar beets. One teaspoon of sugar has 15 calories. In the kitchen, sugar plays a necessary and complex role especially when we cook and bake.
Categories: Food & Recipes
For many cooks, the biggest hurdles to cooking Asian cuisine are knowing and finding the right ingredients. To help you navigate the Asian food section at your local market, we compiled a basic guide to common Asian cooking ingredients.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Looking for something sweet to add to your Game Day buffet or a traditional Mardi Gras party? The King Cake is the answer! With a history dating back to the 12th century, the King Cake is a beloved Gulf Coast tradition. Making one is as simple as making cinnamon rolls.
I love chocolate, but sometimes I need help to make my chocolate creations turn out right. Today, I am sharing some of my favorite chocolate resources and some delicious chocolate filled recipes!
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
There are so many oils out on the market these days. I remember when it was vegetable oil, vegetabls shortening or lard--those were your options. Today we take a look at some of the more popular cooking oils and what makes them different from the next oil on the shelf.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
I have had enough oatmeal for one winter season! I love oatmeal, but I have been uninspired when it comes to my morning meal. This morning's oatmeal sent me over the edge and on the hunt for delicious and nutritious cold morning breakfast ideas.
On Valentine’s Day, we joyfully embrace the bold and beautiful color, red. According to feng shui practitioners, red brings powerful fire energy into the environment, fueling feelings of passion, luxury, love and romance. In the kitchen and dining room, red is an eye-catching color that stimulates the appetite and other senses.
Categories: Product Place
On Super Bowl® Sunday, football always takes center stage. Snacks, finger foods and beverages, however, are still in the spotlight. While hot wings, creamy dips and crunchy chips are perennial favorites, we’re looking for new recipes for this year’s Super Bowl® menu.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Everyone's talking about their upcoming football party. I want to serve somthing different than the usual fried pub food or hot wings. My choice this year is tapas!
Categories: Food & Recipes
New Orleans is well known for its Cajun and creole cuisine, both heavily influenced by the French. Another quintessential New Orleans dish is muffuletta (moof-fuh-LET-tuh, muff-uh-LOT-uh or moo-foo-LET-ta), a submarine-type sandwich popularized by Italian immigrants. A classic muffuletta is made with a sesame seed-topped Sicilian-style round bread, various Italian cold cuts and cheeses and a chunky olive salad.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Valentine's Day is on the horizon, and we are sharing two easy to make dinner menus. Choose from stuffed pork chops or roasted salmon--no special ingedients needed.
In New Orleans, when people say they’re “goin’ fo’ coffee and doughnuts,” they mean café au lait and beignets, probably at legendary Café du Monde, a New Orleans landmark. Beignets are so popular that, in 1986, they became the official doughnut of the State of Louisiana.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Guest blogger Chef Heather Mitchell, Personal Natural Chef, gives advice on cleaning up our eating to help keep that New Year's resolution.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
Super Bowl XLVII takes place on February 3, just a few weeks away. I’m following post-season play on the sidelines – my favorite not-to-be-named California team missed the playoffs, again. While ardent NFL fans debate who will play for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy, I’m busy planning the menu for our Super Bowl bash. This year’s venue, New Orleans, tempts cooks to add spicy Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes to their Super Bowl spreads.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Heat things up without chilies or cool down overly spicy dishes
Categories: Tips & Advice
Cooking with a pressure cooker isn’t hard, but short cooking times mean recipes need a little extra attention. Try these helpful hints and tips to make fantastic recipes with the pressure cooker.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Product Place
It seems everyone has a horror story about seeing a pressure cooker used. Usually it has to do with seeing food shoot through the pressure nozzle on the top of the lid and coating the ceiling. Modern pressure cookers have advanced with technology, and are a perfect solution to quick homemade dinners. Come learn about the pressure cooker and delicious recipes for tonight’s dinner.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Product Place
If the supermarket dairy section is a gauge of current food trends, then more and more people are trading cow’s milk for dairy-free knock-offs made from plant-based ingredients like almonds, soy, coconut, hemp seeds, rice, oats, flax seeds and cashews. These milk substitutes appeal to consumers who choose to forego cow’s milk for health, environmental or ethical reasons.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Making breads is one of those simple pleasures: warm, filling, delicious, from just a few simple ingredients. CHEFS Mix explores tips for making better bread by hand and bread machine.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
If you’re a serious baker, you probably own a stand mixer and, without hesitation, admit it's your best friend in the kitchen. For others like me, choosing a mixer is a difficult decision that sets up a classic battle between "I want it" and "do I need it." If you’re eyeing that lovely KitchenAid stand mixer in your favorite shade of blue but are not sure you really need it, take a deep breath and read on. Today at CHEFS Mix, we help you understand what to look for in a stand mixer and hand mixer and determine if you need one or both.
Categories: Product Place
Most days, I regard tea as a soothing beverage on a cold winter’s night or refreshing drink on the hottest summer day. I have a large stash in my pantry – just can't resist trying new blends or another brand of Earl Grey. Unfortunately, loose tea loses its flavor and fragrance over time. Rather than sending my ageing purchases to the compost bin, I've begun using tea leaves in my every day cooking. To my delight, loose tea is an exciting baking and cooking ingredient, imparting unique flavors and aromas to both sweet and savory dishes.
Categories: Food & Recipes
Oatmeal can be a little boring, but with a few great additions it can be a tasty morning treat, dessert, or side dish to your favorite meal.
Categories: Food & Recipes
It's been cold in Colorado. It is the perfect weather for a warming bowl of soup. Discover a few tricks for making a more flavorful soup and share some of you tips.
Categories: Food & Recipes, Tips & Advice
Food Holidays and In Season foods for the month of January. Printable PDF included! Plus today celebrates Creme Puffs.
Categories: Food & Recipes, In The Spotlight
We wish you a very Happy New Year! Share your resolutions for 2013 and feedback on making CHEFS Mix better.
Categories: In The Spotlight