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Showing posts with label chef and cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chef and cooking. Show all posts

21 June 2010

Muffin Monday: Banana Praline Muffins, White Chocolate Banana Bread

*** Enjoy two easy recipes for your favorite banana muffin.




Another version of a banana nut muffin by erin.kkr @ flickr


From Denny: In my search to see what's baking at the bed and breakfast inns across America and Canada I found this sweet comfort food for breakfast. This recipe comes from a rustic peaceful Texas inn.

While I live next door in Louisiana where we grow the most awesome pecans, they grow them in Texas too. Both states love the praline for everything from muffins to cakes to bread pudding and sweet potato casserole toppings.

Searching for non-copyrighted photos, this photographer posted this little darling banana bread recipe with the sweet goodness of added white chocolate chips. You can try other variations besides chocolate chips if you like. Tips for baking well and suggestions of ingredients follows the recipe.


Banana Praline Muffins


From: Las Brisas Farm
Fayetteville, Texas




From Las Brisas Farm: Tired of work and stresses of the city? Want to get away and just relax? If so, Las Brisas Farm offers a much needed respite. Las Brisas Farm is located in the heart of Czech-German country and is one mile south from historic Fayetteville where shops and dining reflect yesterday's past. The cottages are set on forty rolling acres where one can appreciate spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and star gaze clear, vast skies. One guest described the setting as eye candy for the soul!


Banana Praline Muffins


Yield: 12 muffins


Ingredients:

3 bananas, ripe - mashed
1 egg
1/2 C. sugar
1/4 C. oil
1 1/4 C. flour
2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt

Praline:

3 T. brown sugar
1 T. sour cream
1/2 C. chopped pecans

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix brown sugar and sour cream, add pecans.

Mash bananas; add egg, sugar and oil. Beat well. Add flour, baking powder and salt and mix until just moistened.

Grease muffin tins, and put equal amount of batter in each. Top each with equal amount of praline mix in center of muffin.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.






White Chocolate Banana Bread by Divine Domesticity @ flickr



White Chocolate Banana Bread

Makes: one loaf

Ingredients:

3 very ripe bananas
2 tbsp soft butter
1 cup sugar
1 + 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup white chocolate chips and /or coarsely chopped nuts – pecans or walnuts work well (optional)

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 375°/190°C

2.Mash bananas in a bowl and add rest of the ingredients. Stir just until blended. It seems as if there is not enough liquid but don’t be fooled. The very ripe bananas add all the moisture needed. Mixing the ingredients together with a fork for 2-3 minutes is all you need to create the batter.

3.Pour into greased 9"x5" loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out dry (unless of course you hit a chocolate chip).

4.Cool for 10 minutes on a cake rack before removing from pan.

5.To bake muffins, prepare the batter as above and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F/200°C, in center of oven


Tips & Variations

* This is a great breakfast or mid day snack.
* Instead of chocolate chips (or with them, if you prefer) try:
chopped walnuts or pecans
dried cranberries or cherries
* Just make sure these ingredients add up to one cup. More than that will lose the bread/cake texture.


*** Check out how Muffin Monday started: American Revolt: How You Can Break Big Business, Big Banks, Big Insurance, Big Oil, Big Lobbyists

*** Check out more recipe posts: Recipes: Muffin Monday and Cake Tuesday



*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

Muffin Monday: Polynesian Bread or Muffins, Gluten Free Pineapple Muffin

*** Muffins to enjoy in the summer heat!




From Denny: On my trek to find bed and breakfast recipes I ran across this one today using pineapple, coconut and carrots. That certainly qualifies for the unusual combinations all in one muffin! This is a large recipe set up for making bread loaves. Just use the same batter and make into muffins. Because of the pineapple that can be very wet, you might need to bake a test muffin to check how much more time is needed to bake it than the usual 20 to 25 minutes for a normal muffin.

Included is a little bit about the bed and breakfast with a link to their website. This one is in Florida and they listed the latest news about the oil spill impact. According to them, as of today, they have not been affected on their beach area. This is quite the awesome place where you can rent normally priced rooms all the way up to swanky villas by the day or the week.

It seems none of these bed and breakfast recipes come with any photos. While I was searching for a photo over at Flickr this photographer also included a link to a gluten free pineapple muffin. You might want to try the recipe and see if you like baking wheat free.





From: Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast Inn
5626 Gulf Drive • Holmes Beach, Florida 34217-1666
Phone (888) 828-5566 • (941) 778-5444 • Fax (941) 778-0527

From the Inn: Come savor intimate charm and casual elegance of Harrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfast Inn, one of Florida’s most highly rated Bed and Breakfast Inns located on a tranquil bit of paradise known as Anna Maria Island. The stunning sunsets, soothing rhythm of waves on the white sugary sand beach, and warm hospitality – combine to create that perfect getaway.

Tropical surroundings and serenity top the list of amenities. Savor a new breakfast selection every day from our collection of recipes prepared by our own professional chefs. Relax in the living room, a gathering place where visitors become friends.

Anna Maria Island — Oil Free Beaches

We have had a number of calls about whether we have seen any impact from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and are grateful to report:

· There is no local impact from the oil spill.
· Our beaches and destination are open for business.
· We are in no imminent danger of being affected.


Polynesian Bread or Muffins

Makes: 4 Loaves

Ingredients:

5 Cups Brown Sugar
6 Cups flour
2 Teaspoons Baking powder
2 Teaspoons Baking soda
2 Teaspoons Vanilla
Dash of salt
2 Teaspoons Lemon juice
5 Eggs
1 Cup oil
1 Cup Sour cream
13.5oz Can of coconut milk
3 Cups of dried cranberries
4 Cups of crushed pineapple -- 2 Cups drained / 2 Cups not drained
3 Cups Shredded coconut
10 oz. Shredded carrots

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in the bowl. Spray non-stick spray on standard size loaf pans. Line just bottom of the loaf pan with waxed paper. Divide batter into each loaf pan. Cook for one hour -- 350 degrees Check after one hour by poking it in its center with a toothpick or piece of spaghetti (If the toothpick or spaghetti comes out clean it's done, if not, cook longer as needed.)



*** Even if you don't have a problem with gluten, wheat flour does tend to make us swell with excess water retention if we eat it three times a day every day. A nice break from the usual is to try a gluten free muffin.

Check out:

American Revolt: How You Can Break Big Business, Big Banks, Big Insurance, Big Oil, Big Lobbyists

Wheatless Wednesday: Fruit-Sweetened Pineapple Muffins Put the “Fluffy” Back in Gluten-Free

*** Check out: Muffin Monday: Pina Colada Muffins

Muffin Monday: Banana Praline Muffins, White Chocolate Banana Bread


Gluten free pineapple muffin Photo by cavitt @ flickr



*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

15 June 2010

7 Simple Ingredients Brisket and Southern Corn Pudding

*** Simple easy brisket recipe that is a real crowd pleaser.





From Denny: Brisket is low in fat, inexpensive to make and a great idea of how to feed a large crowd and keep them happy. Brisket takes to a wide variety of seasonings. You can employ the bold flavors of the Southwest using hot chilies and cumin or you can go more Florida style with citrus and herb combinations. Some people prefer their brisket very simple with flavorful barbecue sauce added when serving.

Remember to marinate the meat to let those seasoning flavors have time to penetrate the meat to give a deeper and fuller flavor. It also helps to break down the meat's natural toughness and makes it more tender in the finished product.

This simple seven ingredient brisket recipe comes from our local newspaper's food editor. She has a knack for developing flavorful recipes using few ingredients and the recipes are simple and easy to do.

Feel free to adjust these seasonings to your personal taste. At our house we like a lot more garlic powder than this recipe provides yet we use low sodium soy sauce whenever regular high salt soy sauce is required. We also use dark brown sugar whenever light brown sugar is one of the ingredients. Onion powder in place of onion salt.

It's up to you how strong a salt flavor you like. I find many Louisiana recipes are far too high in salt and I always modify them to healthier levels. Why wait until you develop a health problem when you can head it off by healthier cooking? Cutting back on salt is really not missed when you step up the other seasonings like garlic and cumin, all strong flavors. Even a blend of your favorite peppercorns adds balance and intrigue to a dish.

Why do all the fuss of boiled corn on the cob this summer when you can do something more flavorful and downright easy? Try out a corn pudding recipe. You can use the traditional canned cream-style corn or try out the frozen version of cream-style corn. The frozen version retains more of the corn's nutrients and fresher flavor.

All this recipe is about is creating a custard to "enrobe" the corn using flour, sugar, eggs and milk. Freshly ground nutmeg is always a wonderful addition to milk products and is used in a light dusting on top of the pudding. There is just something about nutmeg that gives a dish this sense of intense freshness. Go lightly as a lot goes a long way with this strong spice.

When the corn pudding cooks you might notice some extra liquid that looks like it's seeping out or even separating from the custard. It's the corn giving off liquid and sugar so don't scoop it up and throw it out. As the corn pudding cools a bit the liquid volume will calm down and settle back into the dish. You might get some run over but it won't ruin the taste of the dish. This doesn't happen every time but occasionally as you never know the level of sugars and water content in the corn product you are using.

These two recipes are an easy simple weekend dinner or great for a large gathering. Just add a simple green salad and a store bought dessert like a pie, cake or cookies and ice cream to beat the heat!


Sweetened Brisket

From: Julie Kay, food editor @ 2theadvocate

Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

1 (4-lb.) beef brisket
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar


Directions:

1. Sprinkle brisket with garlic powder, onion salt and black pepper.

2. Mix Worcestershire and soy sauces together with brown sugar. Pour mixture over brisket. Marinate brisket overnight in refrigerator.

3. Put brisket and marinade into slow cooker. Cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours.

4. Remove meat from cooker; slice and serve. Meat may also be shredded for po-boys.





Southern Corn Pudding aka "Cawn Puddin'"

From: Corinne Cook, food editor @ 2theadvocate

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

2 (14.75-oz.) cans cream-style corn or about 3-1/2 cups
1 tbl. sugar
2 tbls. flour
Salt and pepper to taste
4 eggs, well-beaten
2 tbls. butter, melted
2 cups milk
Sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired


Directions:

1. In medium bowl, combine corn, sugar, flour, and salt and pepper to taste.

2. In separate small bowl, combine beaten eggs, melted butter and milk. Stir with whisk until well-blended. Add the milk mixture to the corn mixture.

3. Spoon into 2-1/2-quart dish that has been lightly greased or sprayed with nonstick coating.

4. Very lightly sprinkle nutmeg over the top of the casserole.

5. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for about 50-60 minutes or until custard is set and top is lightly browned. If it looks like it is getting too brown, loosely cover the top with a piece of foil.



*** Photo by Girl Interrupted Eating @ flickr


*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

16 April 2010

Cooking 4 Men, Teaching Men to Cook 2

From Denny: This is a dilemma many mothers, wives, girlfriends and cooks face - how to feed men and boys when suddenly the Hungries strike and they growl and demand to be fed immediately. And they do not have a sense of humor if you tell them to wait a few minutes or don't snack before dinner. My guess is their blood sugar is about to drop dramatically and that's why they are so grumpy and ravenous all at once.

Lucinda Scala Quinn was featured on CBS The Early Show food segment recently. She wrote a book to help the men and boys in your life with The Hungries. Quinn notes, "Every guy loves to eat, but not every guy loves to cook."

She is an expert at feeding men and boys, including her four brothers, husband and three sons. So, naturally she wrote the funny title: "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys." In this food video she demonstrates how to teach your men and boys to make hearty satisfying meals quickly.

The TV show host, Harry Smith, is having fun and misbehaving throughout the entire segment instead of the two boys who turn out to be quite teachable. Quinn was unflappable, in good humor and taking it all in stride to not miss a beat to teach the boys and demonstrate the recipes.

Recipes Featured:

Vinegar Glossed Chicken
Rose's Vinaigrette
Banana Cream Pie
Basic pie dough






*** On sale now at this blog's Amazon book store - Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys by Lucina Scala Quinn



Watch CBS News Videos Online






Vinegar Glossed Chicken

Serves: 6 to 8

From Quinn: This dish has been in heavy rotation in our home as a favorite weeknight dinner option for at least twenty years. Originally made from an Italian recipe of unknown origin, it has morphed into our own, though my husband and I each make it a little differently. This much is certain, however: when the rosemary vinegar is added to the pan of golden browned chicken, alchemy occurs as the vinegar deglazes those brown bits and reduces itself into a syrup. It permeates each chicken piece with an agrodolce (sweet-and-sour) flavor. There's no better accompaniment than polenta, soft and loose or firm and sliced. It's a heavenly combination of textures and flavors. (Rice, pasta, or bread will also work, as long as there is something to sop up the sauce.) Like many of the dishes here, it only improves when made in advance.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup best-quality red wine vinegar
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (about 1 tablespoon minced)
5 1/2pounds bone-in chicken pieces (each part should be cut in half)
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed

METHOD:

At least 15 minutes but up to 2 hours before cooking, combine the vinegar, garlic, and rosemary to marinate.

Thoroughly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a 14-inch skillet (or two smaller skillets) over high heat and swirl in enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin side down. Don't crowd the chicken; leave space around each piece. Work in batches if necessary. You should hear an immediate sizzle when the chicken pieces hit the pan. Don't move them; it takes a couple minutes to sear the chicken so it doesn't stick. Brown all sides; this will take 10 minutes per batch. Regulate the heat so it stays high but does not burn the chicken. Place all the browned chicken back in the skillet.

Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat, simmer, and reduce for 15 to 20 minutes. Increase the heat to high and pour in the vinegar mixture. Swirl the pan and stir around as the vinegar evaporates to form a simmering glaze, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately or reheat with some extra broth.




Boy Salads

From Quinn: Boys will eat salads, but only the right salads. Some girls will eat any salads just because they think they should, but many boys will eat them only if the salads look and taste good. First and foremost, know that wet lettuce ripped into big chunks is a turnoff. But a salad prepared from cold, dry, crisp bite-sized lettuce, mixed with carefully considered add-ins and dressed in a vibrant, acidic vinaigrette, is easy to love, especially after repeat exposure. Washed and dried lettuce is the key to a great salad.




Rose's Vinaigrette

Makes: 1 cup

Quinn: All the green salads we had while growing up were dressed with my mom's vinaigrette. My dad thought it was the best dressing there ever was. Make it directly in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. This dressing is also key to the success of Rose's beloved White Bean Salad.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon minced shallot or garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

METHOD:

In the bottom of a clean jar, mash together the shallot, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. Cover tightly and shake well to combine and emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.





Men Love Pie

Quinn: My boys love desserts, and pie is their favorite hands down.

My husband says he longs for good pie. "There is so much bad pie out there," he frequently laments. He remembers his mother's apple pie and how great it was, with a very salty crust and perfect fruit. He also recalls her chocolate banana cream coconut pie, which consisted of delicious chocolate pudding with banana on it, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut. Regular crust, not a graham cracker one.

Any great pie begins with a great crust, something that intimidates many a fi ne cook. The first pie dough I learned to make successfully was for a cream cheese crust. I make it to this day and recommend it to anyone shy about trying crust. Its flavor is savory and cracker like. But the real baking secret for many down-home crusts is lard: ask any old-school pie baker, and I'll bet his or her crust is made with it; I think the pies of my husband's childhood owe their success to it. Try substituting lard for some or all of the butter in a pastry recipe and see for yourself the difference it makes in flavor and texture.

Since I've worked alongside many skilled bakers, I've learned many other tricks of the trade:

• Work cold and fast. Keep all your ingredients cold, including the flour.
Cold pieces of butter within the dough are what steams up in the baking and creates flakiness.

• Don't over mix the dough. Blend just until combined.

• Even if your dough doesn't fully combine into a ball, turn it out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather the pieces and press it together.

• Wrap firmly in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. If you made the dough in advance, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before rolling. When pressed for time, I put freshly made dough in the freezer for 10 minutes before rolling.

• For fruit pies, make sure the ratio of thickener (cornstarch or fl our) to fruit is correct. A general rule is 2 tablespoons cornstarch to 4 cups of berries or stone fruit or 1 cup fl our to 3 pounds apples. Cornstarch thickens yet keeps the translucent jewel-colored juices of berries and stone fruits clear. It's so disappointing to cut into a pie in which the juice leaks out, separating from the fruit and making the crust soggy.

• After it comes out of the oven, let the pie sit out to cool long enough before cutting, to allow the juices to settle and the filling to slightly firm up.





Banana Cream Pie


Makes: one 9-inch single-crust pie

Quinn: My nostalgia for cream pies comes from childhood dinners at the many classic roadhouses in our lakeside Canadian town. These pies are some of the easiest to master and are welcome any time of year. The crust is blind baked, which means it's lined and weighted down with dried beans or with pie weights and baked on its own without the filling. When the crust cools, a simple homemade pudding is spread in and topped with whipped cream.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 cups milk
4 large egg yolks (reserve the whites for a meringue or other recipe)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas
1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.

2. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to about 11 inches in diameter and lay it in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges of the dough to 1/2 inch over the edge of the pie plate's rim. Fold the dough under and gently pinch it together. Crimp the edges with your fingers or press with a fork all around. Prick the dough on the bottom twice with a fork.

3. Blind bake the crust: Line the dough in baking parchment or foil. Top with baking weights, dried beans, or rice to weight it down. Bake on the center rack for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and foil. Bake it for 10 more minutes, or until the crust is golden. Cool on a wire cooling rack.

4. Meanwhile, whisk together the fl our, the 1/2 cup sugar, and the salt in a medium saucepan. With the heat on low, slowly whisk the milk into the fl our mixture and cook on low heat. Whisk in the egg yolks. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly and incorporating the thickening mixture as it forms on the bottom and sides of the pan. The mixture should coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Cool slightly.

5. Slice the bananas into the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the pudding over the bananas, smooth the top, and chill the pie.

6. Whip the cream with the remaining tablespoon sugar to form stiff peaks. Spread over the custard mixture. Chill completely and slice.

A Successful Cream Pudding Filling

To avoid producing a pie filled with either soup or wallpaper paste, the pudding filling must be cooked to just below the boiling point; at this point the mixture should coat the back of a wooden spoon. While it may seem too thin, it will thicken more as it cools.





Basic pie dough

Makes: one double-crusted 9- or 10-inch pie

Quinn: Try making this both by hand and in a food processor; if you master both methods, you'll be ready to make pie regardless of what equipment -- or lack thereof -- is on hand. If you find yourself without a rolling pin, try a clean, dry wine or soda bottle, well floured, instead. Keep ingredients cold and work fast.

I prefer unbleached all-purpose flour, such as King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all-purpose fl our
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup very cold milk or water

METHOD:

1. In a large bowl or in the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter and cut in or pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. (To cut in means to mix cold fat such as butter with dry ingredients to form small pieces.) Pour in the milk. Combine just until the dough holds together in a ball.

2. Turn the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and lift the sides toward the middle to press them together. Cut the dough in half. Form each piece into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. If the dough has been refrigerated in advance, remove 15 minutes before using. The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to 6 weeks.


*** ALSO: Chefs New Cookbooks





*** On sale now at this blog's Amazon book store - Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys by Lucina Scala Quinn


*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

13 April 2010

Cooking 4 Men, Teaching Men to Cook 2

From Denny: This is a dilemma many mothers, wives, girlfriends and cooks face - how to feed men and boys when suddenly the Hungries strike and they growl and demand to be fed immediately. And they do not have a sense of humor if you tell them to wait a few minutes or don't snack before dinner. My guess is their blood sugar is about to drop dramatically and that's why they are so grumpy and ravenous all at once.

Lucinda Scala Quinn was featured on CBS The Early Show food segment recently. She wrote a book to help the men and boys in your life with The Hungries. Quinn notes, "Every guy loves to eat, but not every guy loves to cook."

She is an expert at feeding men and boys, including her four brothers, husband and three sons. So, naturally she wrote the funny title: "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys." In this food video she demonstrates how to teach your men and boys to make hearty satisfying meals quickly.

The TV show host, Harry Smith, is having fun and misbehaving throughout the entire segment instead of the two boys who turn out to be quite teachable. Quinn was unflappable, in good humor and taking it all in stride to not miss a beat to teach the boys and demonstrate the recipes.

Recipes Featured:

Vinegar Glossed Chicken
Rose's Vinaigrette
Banana Cream Pie
Basic pie dough






*** On sale now at this blog's Amazon book store - Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys by Lucina Scala Quinn



Watch CBS News Videos Online






Vinegar Glossed Chicken

Serves: 6 to 8

From Quinn: This dish has been in heavy rotation in our home as a favorite weeknight dinner option for at least twenty years. Originally made from an Italian recipe of unknown origin, it has morphed into our own, though my husband and I each make it a little differently. This much is certain, however: when the rosemary vinegar is added to the pan of golden browned chicken, alchemy occurs as the vinegar deglazes those brown bits and reduces itself into a syrup. It permeates each chicken piece with an agrodolce (sweet-and-sour) flavor. There's no better accompaniment than polenta, soft and loose or firm and sliced. It's a heavenly combination of textures and flavors. (Rice, pasta, or bread will also work, as long as there is something to sop up the sauce.) Like many of the dishes here, it only improves when made in advance.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup best-quality red wine vinegar
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (about 1 tablespoon minced)
5 1/2pounds bone-in chicken pieces (each part should be cut in half)
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed

METHOD:

At least 15 minutes but up to 2 hours before cooking, combine the vinegar, garlic, and rosemary to marinate.

Thoroughly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a 14-inch skillet (or two smaller skillets) over high heat and swirl in enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin side down. Don't crowd the chicken; leave space around each piece. Work in batches if necessary. You should hear an immediate sizzle when the chicken pieces hit the pan. Don't move them; it takes a couple minutes to sear the chicken so it doesn't stick. Brown all sides; this will take 10 minutes per batch. Regulate the heat so it stays high but does not burn the chicken. Place all the browned chicken back in the skillet.

Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat, simmer, and reduce for 15 to 20 minutes. Increase the heat to high and pour in the vinegar mixture. Swirl the pan and stir around as the vinegar evaporates to form a simmering glaze, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately or reheat with some extra broth.




Boy Salads

From Quinn: Boys will eat salads, but only the right salads. Some girls will eat any salads just because they think they should, but many boys will eat them only if the salads look and taste good. First and foremost, know that wet lettuce ripped into big chunks is a turnoff. But a salad prepared from cold, dry, crisp bite-sized lettuce, mixed with carefully considered add-ins and dressed in a vibrant, acidic vinaigrette, is easy to love, especially after repeat exposure. Washed and dried lettuce is the key to a great salad.




Rose's Vinaigrette

Makes: 1 cup

Quinn: All the green salads we had while growing up were dressed with my mom's vinaigrette. My dad thought it was the best dressing there ever was. Make it directly in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. This dressing is also key to the success of Rose's beloved White Bean Salad.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon minced shallot or garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

METHOD:

In the bottom of a clean jar, mash together the shallot, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. Cover tightly and shake well to combine and emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.





Men Love Pie

Quinn: My boys love desserts, and pie is their favorite hands down.

My husband says he longs for good pie. "There is so much bad pie out there," he frequently laments. He remembers his mother's apple pie and how great it was, with a very salty crust and perfect fruit. He also recalls her chocolate banana cream coconut pie, which consisted of delicious chocolate pudding with banana on it, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut. Regular crust, not a graham cracker one.

Any great pie begins with a great crust, something that intimidates many a fi ne cook. The first pie dough I learned to make successfully was for a cream cheese crust. I make it to this day and recommend it to anyone shy about trying crust. Its flavor is savory and cracker like. But the real baking secret for many down-home crusts is lard: ask any old-school pie baker, and I'll bet his or her crust is made with it; I think the pies of my husband's childhood owe their success to it. Try substituting lard for some or all of the butter in a pastry recipe and see for yourself the difference it makes in flavor and texture.

Since I've worked alongside many skilled bakers, I've learned many other tricks of the trade:

• Work cold and fast. Keep all your ingredients cold, including the flour.
Cold pieces of butter within the dough are what steams up in the baking and creates flakiness.

• Don't over mix the dough. Blend just until combined.

• Even if your dough doesn't fully combine into a ball, turn it out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather the pieces and press it together.

• Wrap firmly in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. If you made the dough in advance, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before rolling. When pressed for time, I put freshly made dough in the freezer for 10 minutes before rolling.

• For fruit pies, make sure the ratio of thickener (cornstarch or fl our) to fruit is correct. A general rule is 2 tablespoons cornstarch to 4 cups of berries or stone fruit or 1 cup fl our to 3 pounds apples. Cornstarch thickens yet keeps the translucent jewel-colored juices of berries and stone fruits clear. It's so disappointing to cut into a pie in which the juice leaks out, separating from the fruit and making the crust soggy.

• After it comes out of the oven, let the pie sit out to cool long enough before cutting, to allow the juices to settle and the filling to slightly firm up.





Banana Cream Pie


Makes: one 9-inch single-crust pie

Quinn: My nostalgia for cream pies comes from childhood dinners at the many classic roadhouses in our lakeside Canadian town. These pies are some of the easiest to master and are welcome any time of year. The crust is blind baked, which means it's lined and weighted down with dried beans or with pie weights and baked on its own without the filling. When the crust cools, a simple homemade pudding is spread in and topped with whipped cream.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 cups milk
4 large egg yolks (reserve the whites for a meringue or other recipe)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas
1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.

2. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to about 11 inches in diameter and lay it in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges of the dough to 1/2 inch over the edge of the pie plate's rim. Fold the dough under and gently pinch it together. Crimp the edges with your fingers or press with a fork all around. Prick the dough on the bottom twice with a fork.

3. Blind bake the crust: Line the dough in baking parchment or foil. Top with baking weights, dried beans, or rice to weight it down. Bake on the center rack for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and foil. Bake it for 10 more minutes, or until the crust is golden. Cool on a wire cooling rack.

4. Meanwhile, whisk together the fl our, the 1/2 cup sugar, and the salt in a medium saucepan. With the heat on low, slowly whisk the milk into the fl our mixture and cook on low heat. Whisk in the egg yolks. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly and incorporating the thickening mixture as it forms on the bottom and sides of the pan. The mixture should coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Cool slightly.

5. Slice the bananas into the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the pudding over the bananas, smooth the top, and chill the pie.

6. Whip the cream with the remaining tablespoon sugar to form stiff peaks. Spread over the custard mixture. Chill completely and slice.

A Successful Cream Pudding Filling

To avoid producing a pie filled with either soup or wallpaper paste, the pudding filling must be cooked to just below the boiling point; at this point the mixture should coat the back of a wooden spoon. While it may seem too thin, it will thicken more as it cools.





Basic pie dough

Makes: one double-crusted 9- or 10-inch pie

Quinn: Try making this both by hand and in a food processor; if you master both methods, you'll be ready to make pie regardless of what equipment -- or lack thereof -- is on hand. If you find yourself without a rolling pin, try a clean, dry wine or soda bottle, well floured, instead. Keep ingredients cold and work fast.

I prefer unbleached all-purpose flour, such as King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all-purpose fl our
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup very cold milk or water

METHOD:

1. In a large bowl or in the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter and cut in or pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. (To cut in means to mix cold fat such as butter with dry ingredients to form small pieces.) Pour in the milk. Combine just until the dough holds together in a ball.

2. Turn the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and lift the sides toward the middle to press them together. Cut the dough in half. Form each piece into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. If the dough has been refrigerated in advance, remove 15 minutes before using. The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to 6 weeks.


*** ALSO: Chefs New Cookbooks





*** On sale now at this blog's Amazon book store - Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys by Lucina Scala Quinn


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16 March 2010

Chef Mario Batalis 3 Saltimbocca Recipe Variations



From Denny: We like Mario Batali at our house. He is always enthusiastic about whatever he does and he does it well because he has a high personal standard of excellence. He is also more user friendly than most chefs, possessing an abundance of people skills. Mario is a natural as a teacher of great food.

He spent a lot of time exploring his ancestors' Italy, learning the language and the regional foods. He traveled, sampled and even worked for some small Italian kitchens just to learn the very old traditional recipes. Here he shares with us a very simple dish that is both a succulent and elegant meal fine enough to serve to guests for that special occasion.

Take a look at the variations you can do with this dish. Also, did you know that sage is great for easing toxin headaches? As winter ends, it's a good idea to include some sage into your diet as your body begins to naturally detox from the winter season. Chef Batali talks a bit about Italian culture and the language in the origin of the recipe's name. For a guy who received his original degree in Economics, he sure is bubbling over with information on just one recipe!







Saltimbocca alla Romana

From:
Chef Mario Batali

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 8 pork cutlets (about 2 ounces each)
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 8 slices prosciutto di Parma
• Flour for dusting
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Lemon wedges


DIRECTIONS

Using a meat mallet, pound each pork slice to about 1/8-inch thick. Place 1 sage leaf and 1 slice of prosciutto on each pork cutlet and fold over to form a sandwich, with the meat inside the prosciutto. Pound lightly with the meat mallet, then secure with toothpicks.

In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over high heat until it foams and subsides. Season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the cutlets lightly in the flour. Add to the pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.

Pour the wine into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring with wooden spoon to dislodge the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Return the cutlets to the pan just to reheat, then transfer to plates, pour the sauce over, and serve immediately, with lemon wedges.





Scallopa al Pizzaiolo

From:
Chef Mario Batali

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound pork loin, cut into 4 pieces 1/2-inch thick
• 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 2 cups basic tomato sauce
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 8 rounds of 2 inches each
• 2 bunches fresh oregano leaves, stems removed, to yield 1 cup


DIRECTIONS

In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge pork pieces in flour mixture and set aside. In a 12- to 14-inch sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until just smoking. Shake excess flour from meat and place pieces in pan. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and continue cooking until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove pork pieces and pour out oil.

Add 1/2 cup water to pan and deglaze, scraping lightly with a wooden spoon to loosen brown bits. Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Replace pork in pan and coat with sauce. Place 2 pieces fresh mozzarella over each piece of pork and place pan in oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Remove pan from oven.

Place pork on platter, surround with sauce, sprinkle with fresh oregano and serve.





Pork Saltimbocca

From:
Chef Mario Batali

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound pork loin, cut into 8 equal thin slices by your butcher
• 4 thin slices prosciutto di Parma
• 8 sage leaves
• 4 tablespoons flour, seasoned with salt and pepper,
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sweet butter plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 cup marsala wine (sweet)
• 1/2 cup basic tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup basic chicken stock
• 1/4 pound domestic mushrooms, quartered
• 1 bunch Italian parsley, finely chopped to yield 1/4 cup


DIRECTIONS

Lay 4 thin slices of pork on counter and season with salt and pepper. Place 1 slice prosciutto di Parma in center of each and 2 sage leaves over the prosciutto. Dust edges of 4 pieces with flour. Place 4 remaining pieces of pork over 4 on counter. Massage the edges together so they stick together and set aside.

Flour outsides and place into bread crumbs, patting so the crumbs adhere. In a 12- to 14-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons sweet butter until bubbling over medium heat. Place 4 pork "sandwiches" in pan and cook slowly until golden brown. Turn and cook other side the same. Remove pork carefully and set aside in warm place. Turn heat to high and add marsala, tomato sauce, chicken stock and domestic mushrooms. Bring to boil and reduce by half. Add remaining sweet butter and 4 pork "sandwiches."

Simmer 10 minutes, add chopped parsley and serve.



*** THANKS for visiting, come back often, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers - and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

09 March 2010

Chef Mario Batalis Easy 3 Pork Saltimbocca Recipes



From Denny: We like Mario Batali at our house. He is always enthusiastic about whatever he does and he does it well because he has a high personal standard of excellence. He is also more user friendly than most chefs, possessing an abundance of people skills. Mario is a natural as a teacher of great food.

He spent a lot of time exploring his ancestors' Italy, learning the language and the regional foods. He traveled, sampled and even worked for some small Italian kitchens just to learn the very old traditional recipes. Here he shares with us a very simple dish that is both a succulent and elegant meal fine enough to serve to guests for that special occasion.

Take a look at the variations you can do with this dish. Also, did you know that sage is great for easing toxin headaches? As winter ends, it's a good idea to include some sage into your diet as your body begins to naturally detox from the winter season. Chef Batali talks a bit about Italian culture and the language in the origin of the recipe's name. For a guy who received his original degree in Economics, he sure is bubbling over with information on just one recipe!







Saltimbocca alla Romana

From:
Chef Mario Batali

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 8 pork cutlets (about 2 ounces each)
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 8 slices prosciutto di Parma
• Flour for dusting
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Lemon wedges


DIRECTIONS

Using a meat mallet, pound each pork slice to about 1/8-inch thick. Place 1 sage leaf and 1 slice of prosciutto on each pork cutlet and fold over to form a sandwich, with the meat inside the prosciutto. Pound lightly with the meat mallet, then secure with toothpicks.

In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over high heat until it foams and subsides. Season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the cutlets lightly in the flour. Add to the pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.

Pour the wine into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring with wooden spoon to dislodge the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Return the cutlets to the pan just to reheat, then transfer to plates, pour the sauce over, and serve immediately, with lemon wedges.





Scallopa al Pizzaiolo

From:
Chef Mario Batali

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound pork loin, cut into 4 pieces 1/2-inch thick
• 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 2 cups basic tomato sauce
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 8 rounds of 2 inches each
• 2 bunches fresh oregano leaves, stems removed, to yield 1 cup


DIRECTIONS

In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge pork pieces in flour mixture and set aside. In a 12- to 14-inch sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until just smoking. Shake excess flour from meat and place pieces in pan. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and continue cooking until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove pork pieces and pour out oil.

Add 1/2 cup water to pan and deglaze, scraping lightly with a wooden spoon to loosen brown bits. Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Replace pork in pan and coat with sauce. Place 2 pieces fresh mozzarella over each piece of pork and place pan in oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Remove pan from oven.

Place pork on platter, surround with sauce, sprinkle with fresh oregano and serve.





Pork Saltimbocca

From:
Chef Mario Batali

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound pork loin, cut into 8 equal thin slices by your butcher
• 4 thin slices prosciutto di Parma
• 8 sage leaves
• 4 tablespoons flour, seasoned with salt and pepper,
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sweet butter plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 cup marsala wine (sweet)
• 1/2 cup basic tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup basic chicken stock
• 1/4 pound domestic mushrooms, quartered
• 1 bunch Italian parsley, finely chopped to yield 1/4 cup


DIRECTIONS

Lay 4 thin slices of pork on counter and season with salt and pepper. Place 1 slice prosciutto di Parma in center of each and 2 sage leaves over the prosciutto. Dust edges of 4 pieces with flour. Place 4 remaining pieces of pork over 4 on counter. Massage the edges together so they stick together and set aside.

Flour outsides and place into bread crumbs, patting so the crumbs adhere. In a 12- to 14-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons sweet butter until bubbling over medium heat. Place 4 pork "sandwiches" in pan and cook slowly until golden brown. Turn and cook other side the same. Remove pork carefully and set aside in warm place. Turn heat to high and add marsala, tomato sauce, chicken stock and domestic mushrooms. Bring to boil and reduce by half. Add remaining sweet butter and 4 pork "sandwiches."

Simmer 10 minutes, add chopped parsley and serve.



*** THANKS for visiting, come back often, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers - and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

25 August 2009

2 Recipes: Easy Awesome Chicken Fricasse



Photo by Heather McClelland @ 2theadvocate.com

From Denny: Chicken fricassee, for the uninitiated, is just chicken stew. What makes this favorite comfort food so wonderful is the cooking time that allows all the flavors to meld together into one delicious dish! One reason we enjoy these comfort foods is that the longer foods cook to blend these spices and flavors it actually becomes easier to digest. So, it tastes good AND your stomach thanks you! :)

What is the definition of "fricassee"? Fricassee is all about that beautiful combination of meat and vegetables simmering together in happy harmony in some type of liquid, like just plain water or chicken stock. Long and slow cooking is how it used to be done before society sped up and the recipes had to speed up with it or be lost forever so people have invented shortcuts for wonderful recipes like this.

Shortcuts to save time are using chicken pieces already cut up from the grocery store instead of taking the time to cut up a whole chicken on your own which can use up a good 30 minutes just for that operation.

Available are good jarred or powdered in a package roux products so you don't have to take the time to make your own roux, standing over the stove for another 30 to 45 minutes for that step. Of course, around here a lot of Louisiana people just make up a large amount of roux and then stash it in the refrigerator, pulling out a little at a time as they need it for a dish.

You can also save time by purchasing seasoning vegetables already diced or cut up for you in packages at the produce department of your grocery store, shaving another 30 minutes off this old-fashioned recipe.

Chicken stew (fricassee) is served over rice in this state rather than in a bowl like a soup, gumbo or stew. Then side dishes are added like spring green peas, potato salad or fresh sliced beets, sometimes pickled beets.

Recipes

Chicken Fricassee

From: “Pointe Coupee Kitchen Capers” - To benefit the American Cancer Society in 1970 this recipe booklet was compiled for the Pointe Coupee Antique Show. People still make this simple favorite recipe exactly the same to this day.

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

1 large hen or chicken, cut up and skin removed

1/2 cup vegetable oil (today we use canola oil)

1/2 cup flour

2 small to medium onions, chopped (we like sweet or purple onions)

1/2 small bell pepper, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped

Salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, to taste
(Today we use prepared Cajun seasoning in place of these spices)

2 (4 ounces each) cans sliced mushrooms (or equivalent of fresh)

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 Tablespoons chopped or sliced green onions

Cooked rice


Directions:

1. Prepare hen or chicken.

2. Use prepared roux in a jar or powdered in a package or you can make up your own roux fresh for this dish. To make your own roux: In large, heavy pot, make roux with oil and flour. Stir until it is a dark chocolate brown (about 30 minutes). Add onions, bell pepper, celery. Cook until vegetables are tender.

3. Add chicken and mushrooms (with liquid), salt and pepper to taste. Stir until chicken is coated with roux. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 2-2-1/2 hours for a hen or until meat is very tender. A fryer chicken like what most grocery stores carry will only take about an hour to cook. You could also place this in a slow cooker while you are away at work, coming home to some awesome smells from your kitchen! Check your slow cooker's directions to know how much time to allow for the cooking.

4. Check occasionally to be sure chicken is not sticking, but as the chicken cooks, the meat will throw off its juices forming the gravy. If you want more or if the gravy is too thick, add more water.

5. Right before serving, add fresh minced parsley and sliced green onions.

*****

From Denny: Here's a really easy even faster version of this chicken stew for busy moms on the go! Her 3 boys enjoy this dish so much it is the most requested one she does for them.

Jessica Cuba’s Quick Chicken Stew

From: Jessica Cuba

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 chicken, cut up, or chicken pieces to the equivalent

2-2-1/2 pounds chicken thighs

Salt and pepper to your taste

1 large onion, chopped

Olive oil

1 (10-3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

2 Tablespoons Tony’s (Tony Chachere's brand) powdered roux

Water

2 (4 ounce) cans sliced mushrooms

Cooked rice

Directions:

1. Wash and dry chicken. Remove skin. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

2. Meanwhile in large skillet or pot, sauté onions in olive oil on medium heat until onions are soft.

3. Add cream of mushroom soup and then add 2 tablespoons dry roux to 1 can of water. Add chicken and mushrooms to soup mixture.

4. Cook for about 1 hour or until chicken is falling off the bones. Serve over hot cooked rice.

***** And a side dish to serve with your awesome chicken fricasse!

Simple Pickled Beets

From: Rose Lorio

Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients:

2 (15-oz. cans) sliced or whole beets; remove about half of the juice from cans

2-4 Tablespoons olive oil

1/3-1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 to 1 thinly sliced small onion, white or red

1 teaspoons of sugar

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. If using whole beets, quarter or slice them.

2. Empty beets into a glass bowl. Discard about half of the beet juice from the can.

3. Add olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir to coat. Allow to marinate for about 2 hours before serving. Every now and
then stir beets around in juice.

4. Taste and if necessary add another pinch of sugar. After serving, refrigerate leftovers.

*****

Thanks for visiting, everyone!


chicken, chicken stew, chicken fricasse, Cajun, soups and stews, society and culture, home, cooking, comfort food

24 August 2009

Video: Learn Easy Pickling of Fresh Veggies to Help Your Wallet

From Denny: Looks like grandma's pickling of bountiful summer's produce is back in fashion with today's economy. Chef Tyler Florence of Food Network shows us how it's great fun easy to do! Beautiful little food gifts you can give at Christmas time too. Get ready for Christmas in August - now that's planning ahead. :)

20 August 2009

Video: Making the Best Burger from the 21 Clubs Famous Chef

From Denny: It's still summer and Labor Day weekend is coming up quickly! Take some tips from this famous chef at the 21 Club about their famous burgers. And invite me over to your place, pahleez! :)

15 August 2009

Video: Learn Easy Pickling of Fresh Veggies to Help Your Wallet

From Denny: Looks like grandma's pickling of bountiful summer's produce is back in fashion with today's economy. Chef Tyler Florence of Food Network shows us how it's great fun easy to do! Beautiful little food gifts you can give at Christmas time too. Get ready for Christmas in August - now that's planning ahead. :)

13 August 2009

Video: Making the Best Burger from the 21 Clubs Famous Chef

From Denny: It's still summer and Labor Day weekend is coming up quickly! Take some tips from this famous chef at the 21 Club about their famous burgers. And invite me over to your place, pahleez! :)

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