Welcome to Know the Chef, the food blog dedicated to homemade Italian and French recipes, as well as some of our favorite sweet treats. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the flavors of Europe and beyond.

Ingredients: 4 cans of 15.5 ozs of rinsed and drained kidney beans 1 tbsp of olive oil 1 cup onion diced ¾ cups of diced celery ½ Anaheim seeded and chopped (small end saved for garnish) 2 tbsp of black truffle oil 7 cups of low-sodium chicken broth 1 lb. of smoked ham cubed or sliced into 1-inch pieces 2 bay leaves 1 tsp of black pepper 1 tsp of dried thyme ½ tsp of hot sauce such as Tabasco (more if desired) ¼ tsp of cayenne ½ tsp of salt Directions: Heat oil in an eight-qu