Good Eats, A Treasury of Favorite Recipes
Good Eats, A Treasury of Favorite Recipes
Good Eats, A Treasury of Favorite Recipes
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................1 10 MINUTE APPLE SAUCE ..........................................................................................................................2 AB'S B and B'S..................................................................................................................................................3 ALTON BROWN MA MAE'S CONGEALED CHRISTMAS SALAD ......................................................4 BAKER, BAKER ..............................................................................................................................................5 THE BAKED POTATO ...................................................................................................................................6 BANANA SPLITSVILLE ................................................................................................................................7 BETTER THAN GRANNIES CREAMED CORN .......................................................................................9 BIG CHEESE SQUEEZE ..............................................................................................................................10 BIRD TO THE LAST DROP.........................................................................................................................11 BROILED, BUTTERFLIED CHICKEN .....................................................................................................12 BURGER OF THE GODS .............................................................................................................................14 BURNED PEACH ICE CREAM ..................................................................................................................15 CHIPS AND FISH ..........................................................................................................................................16 CHOCOLATE LAVA MUFFINS .................................................................................................................17 CHOCOLATE MOUSSE .................................................................................................................................18 COFFEE: BLACK, NO CHASER ................................................................................................................19 COFFEE GRANITA ......................................................................................................................................21 COMPOUND BUTTER...................................................................................................................................22 COOKIES: THE CHEWY ...............................................................................................................................23 COOKIES: THE PUFFY.................................................................................................................................24 COOKIES: THE THIN ..................................................................................................................................25 CREAMED CORN CORNBREAD................................................................................................................26 EGGS OVER EASY .......................................................................................................................................27 i
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FIRECRACKERS .............................................................................................................................................28 FLANDANGO .................................................................................................................................................29 FONDUE VUDU...............................................................................................................................................31 FREE RANGE FRUITCAKE .......................................................................................................................32 FRENCH ONION SOUP ...............................................................................................................................34 THE FUNGAL SAUTE....................................................................................................................................35 GOOD EATS ROAST TURKEY....................................................................................................................36 GOOD EATS MEAT LOAF............................................................................................................................38 GRAVY FROM ROAST DRIPPINGS...........................................................................................................39 GRILLED SALMON STEAKS.......................................................................................................................40 HAIL CAESAR SALAD..................................................................................................................................41 HONEY BUTTER ..........................................................................................................................................42 HURRY CURRY CAULIFLOWER .............................................................................................................43 IN A CRANBERRY JAM ..............................................................................................................................44 "INSTANT" PANCAKE MIX ......................................................................................................................45 "INSTANT" PANCAKES .............................................................................................................................46 IT'S A WONDERFUL WALDORF ..............................................................................................................47 KEY LIME SORBET.......................................................................................................................................48 KINDA SORTA SOURS..................................................................................................................................49 LEMON CURD.................................................................................................................................................50 MASHERS.........................................................................................................................................................51 MIGHTY DUCK .............................................................................................................................................52 NO PAN PEAR PIE ........................................................................................................................................54 PAN FRIED FISH .............................................................................................................................................56 ii
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PAN SEARED RIB EYE..................................................................................................................................57 PANTRY FRIENDLY TOMATO SAUCE....................................................................................................58 PASTA .............................................................................................................................................................59 PECAN, SOUR CREAM WAFFLES ...........................................................................................................60 PLAIN BROWN POPPER.............................................................................................................................61 POTATO/PORTOBELLO GRATIN............................................................................................................62 RAYMOND BURRE BLANC .......................................................................................................................63 REFRIGERATOR PIE....................................................................................................................................64 RICE PILAF ......................................................................................................................................................65 SAWMILL GRAVY .......................................................................................................................................66 SCONES...........................................................................................................................................................67 SCRAMBLED EGGS UNSCRAMBLED .......................................................................................................68 "SERIOUS" VANILLA ICE CREAM...........................................................................................................69 SHORTCAKE .................................................................................................................................................70 THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL ..........................................................................................................................71 SOUTHERN BISCUITS..................................................................................................................................72 SPICED BLUEBERRY JAMMIN' ...............................................................................................................73 STRIPED BASS IN SALT DOME ................................................................................................................75 SUMMER FRUITS ...........................................................................................................................................76 SWEET CORN BREAD PUDDING...............................................................................................................77 TART CRANBERRY DIPPING SAUCE......................................................................................................78 THAT OL' CAP MAGIC.................................................................................................................................79 TOFFEE LACE CUPS.....................................................................................................................................80 TURKEY REHASH.......................................................................................................................................81 iii
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VENI VEDI VINAIGRETTE..........................................................................................................................82 WHITE ROUX..................................................................................................................................................83 WHO LOVES YA BABYBACK? ...............................................................................................................84
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Introduction
Good Eats!
Copyright 2003 VJJE Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved
Introduction
BAKER, BAKER
3/4 cup oats 3/4 cup flour 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Pinch kosher salt 1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced 4 Braeburn apples (Fuji will substitute) 4 teaspoons honey 1) In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients and diced butter. 2) Rub mixture briskly between finger tips until it forms small moist clumps in a loose sandy mixture. 3) Refrigerate while preparing the apples. 4) Cut a small layer off the bottom of each apple to create a flat, stable bottom surface. 5) With a small paring knife, cut a cylindrical cone out of the top of the apple, moving about 1inch outside of the core, similar to removing the top of a pumpkin when carving a Jack O Lantern. Remove the top and discard. 6) With a melon baller or a teaspoon, remove the remaining core and seeds taking care not to puncture the base of the apple. 7) Place apples on a baking sheet or pie dish and fill each center with a teaspoon of honey. 8) Spoon in mixture, packing lightly until heaped and overflowing over sides of the apples. 9) Bake in oven at 350 degrees on the top or middle rack for 40 minutes or until filling is golden brown and the tip of a paring knife can be inserted into the side of the apple with little or no resistance. 10) Let apples stand for 10 minutes before serving. Yield: 4 servings
BAKER, BAKER
BANANA SPLITSVILLE
Basic Caramel Software: 2 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 tablespoon light corn syrup Caramel Sauce Software: 1 batch caramel 2 cups heavy cream Banana Brulee Software: 4 bananas Sugar for coating Additional Splitsville Software: Ice cream of your choice Hardware: Small, heavy saucepan Clean soup spoon Candy thermometer Parchment paper 2 sheet pans or other heatproof surface Aluminum foil Cooling rack Butane torch (available at most hardware storesdarned handy) Safety goggles (see above) Plastic squirt bottle (available at most grocery stores) DOODADS 1) Combine the sugar, water and corn syrup in a small, heavy saucepan and place over high heat. 2) As soon as the sugar has dissolved, heat your thermometer under warm tap water (to prevent thermal shock) and attach to side of pan, making sure that the bulb is completely submerged. Do not stir the mixture or agitate the pan at this stage. 3) When the mixture reaches 230 degrees, reduce the heat to medium and allow the sugar to color gradually. 4) As the temperature approaches 300 degrees the color will start to turn to amber. At this point, its safe to swirl the pan gently to help distribute the heat evenly. 5) As the caramel heads towards 340 degrees, it will reach a deep amber color. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly stir with a metal spoon, allowing it to cool until the caramel falls from the spoon in a solid streamlike a string. When it does, its doodad time.
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6) Form doodads by holding the spoon 12 to16 inches over the caramel and drizzling the patterns on the parchment. (Hint: allow the spoon to unload into the pan for a few seconds before attempting doodad. This will allow a narrower stream.) Quick back and forth motions or side to side movements are best. 7) Its all in the wrist. Allow doodads to cool for 15 minutes then peel the paper off (not the other way around). 8) Stack in an airtight container with wax paper between each piece. CARAMEL SAUCE 9) After making 15 to 20 doodads, you should have sufficient caramel remaining to move on to the sauce phase. So, return the remaining caramel to medium high heat and continue cooking until you see the first sign of smoke. 10) Immediately remove from the heat, and add the cream, all at once, at arms length. (It will boil furiously.) 11) Once the mixture calms down, return to medium heat and boil 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. 12) Cool to room temperature, move to squirt bottle and refrigerate for up to a week. BANANAS BRULEE 13) To make the bananas brulee, quarter the bananas (peel on) and rub into sugar to coat thoroughly. 14) Remove peel and place on cooling rack over several layers of foil. (Dont try this on your dining room table.) 15) Don your safety goggles and fire up your torch. Hold the torch so that the very tip of the flame barely touches the banana, and move quickly back and forth until the sugar melts, turns brown and bubbles. 16) As soon as it looks like caramel, move on. You know youve got it down when a solid, glasslike sheet of gold (no graininess) has formed on the banana. BANANA SPLITSVILLE 17) To do the split (so to speak), squirt a pattern of caramel sauce on a chilled plate, top with 4 banana pieces (Lincoln log style), top with the ice cream of your choice (we like our peachy vanilla from Churn Baby Churn and finally, a doodad.
BANANA SPLITSVILLE
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17) Add chicken stock, thyme, the remaining garlic paste and reduce briefly to make a jus. 18) Strain out vegetables and discard. 19) Slice chicken onto plates or serve in quarters. Sauce lightly with jus and serve. Yield: 4 to 6 servings
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CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
1 3/4 cups whipping cream 12 ounces quality semisweet chocolate chips 3 ounces espresso or strong coffee 1 tablespoon dark rum 4 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon flavorless, granulated gelatin 1) Chill 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in refrigerator. 2) Chill metal mixing bowl and mixer beaters in freezer. 3) In top of a double boiler, combine chocolate chips, coffee, rum and butter. 4) Melt over barely simmering water, stirring constantly. Remove from heat while a couple of chunks are still visible. 5) Cool, stirring occasionally to just above body temperature. 6) Pour remaining 1/4 cup whipping cream into a metal measuring cup and sprinkle in the gelatin. 7) Allow gelatin to "bloom" for 10 minutes. 8) Then carefully heat by swirling the measuring cup over a low gas flame or candle. Do not boil or gelatin will be damaged. 9) Stir mixture into the cooled chocolate and set aside. 10) In the chilled mixing bowl, beat cream to medium peaks. 11) Stir 1/4 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. 12) Fold in the remaining whipped cream in two doses. 13) There may be streaks of whipped cream in the chocolate and that is fine. Do not over work the mousse. 14) Spoon into bowls or martini glasses and chill for at least 1 hour. 15) Garnish with fruit and serve.(If mousses are to be refrigerated overnight, chill for one hour and then cover each with plastic wrap) Yield: 6 to 8 servings
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
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When purchasing a coffee maker (either manual or electric), look for a model that brews into a thermal carafe rather than a glass pot designed to sit on a heating element. Continuous heating of coffee leads to bitterness. Quality decaffeinated coffees usually cost more than regular beans.
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COFFEE GRANITA
2 cups lukewarm espresso or strong black coffee 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest 1) Combine all ingredients and stir until sugar melts. 2) Pour mixture into 9 by 13inch metal pan and place on level shelf in freezer for half an hour. (Mixture should only come about 1/4inch up the side of the pan.) 3) Remove and use a dinner fork to scrape any ice crystals that have formed on the side or bottom of the pan. 4) Return to freezer and repeat scraping every 20 to 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours. 5) Once mixture is thoroughly frozen, fluff with a fork and allow flakes to "dry" in freezer another half hour before serving. 6) When served, the granita should look like a fluffy pile of dry brown crystals. 7) Scoop into goblets and top with barely sweetened whipped cream, add additional citrus zest if desired. Yield: 6 servings
COFFEE GRANITA
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COMPOUND BUTTER
1 pound butter 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon sage, chopped 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped Hardware: Dough scraper Standing mixer Parchment paper or plastic wrap Chop the butter into uniform chunks using the dough scraper. Place the oil into the food processor and add the chives. Process until the chives are finely chopped. Add the remaining herbs and blend until the herbs have colored the oil. Using the whisk attachment, whip the butter in the mixers work bowl at medium speed until it softens and lightens in color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the herb oil to the butter and beat for another 2 minutes until oil is fully incorporated. Remove butter from bowl and spoon onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll into a log, using the edge of a baking sheet to form a tight log. Chill for 2 hours before serving. Yield: 2 logs
COMPOUND BUTTER
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FIRECRACKERS
1/2 pound mini carrots 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon chili flakes 2 dried chilies 1) Place carrots in a springtop glass jar. 2) Bring the water, sugar, cider vinegar, onion powder, mustard seeds, salt, and chili flakes to a boil in a nonreactive saucepan. 3) Boil for 4 minutes. 4) Slowly pour the hot pickling liquid over the carrots, filling the jar to the top. 5) Place the chilies in the jar. 6) Allow the carrots to cool before sealing. 7) Refrigerate for 2 days up to 1 week. Yield: 4 servings
FIRECRACKERS
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FLANDANGO
Software: 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 cup halfand half 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup sugar An assortment of jams, preserves, or dessert sauces such as: Blueberry jam Apricot preserves Butterscotch ice cream topping Hot fudge ice cream topping 6 eggs Hardware: Roasting pan large enough to accommodate 8 custard cups with at least 1inch to spare around 8 custard cups Glass or stainless steel bowl with a spout Fine mesh strainer Small nonreactive saucepan A kettle boiling water Whisk 1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 2) In the saucepan, combine the milk, halfandhalf, vanilla, and sugar. 3) Bring to a bare simmer over mediumlow heat. 4) Next, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of each topping into each of the custard cups. The topping should come a few millimeters up the side of the custard cup. 5) Separate 3 of the eggs using the slotted spoon. Reserve the whites. (Note: Freeze the whites in ice trays. After the whites are frozen, place the frozen cubes into ziptop freezer bags. The frozen whites can be frozen up to a year.) 6) Place a mixing bowl on a rubber pad or a wet towel to prevent the bowl from spinning out of control. 7) In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining whole eggs and the yolks. 8) Whip the eggs with a whisk until slightly thickened and lightened in color. 9) While whisking the eggs, drizzle in about a quarter of the hot milk. 10) Now whisk the tempered eggs back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. 11) Place a fine mesh strainer over a glass or stainless steel bowl with a spout. 12) Pour the egg mixture through the strainer in order to catch any curdled egg bits or particles that may be in the mixture.
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13) Place the custard cups into the roasting pan. 14) Evenly distribute the custard into the custard cups, going short on the first pass. 15) Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and pour boiling water into the pan just under the level of the custard. 16) Cook the flans for about 40 minutes, or until they wobble slightly when the pan is wiggled, about 40 minutes. You can also insert a paring knife midway between the edge and the center. If it comes out clean, the flans are done. 17) Using tongs, remove the cups from the pan to a towellined sheet pan. 18) Allow the water in the roasting pan to cool before discarding. Cool, cover and chill. Yield: 8 servings
FLANDANGO
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FONDUE VUDU
1 clove garlic, halved 1 (12ounce) bottle hard apple cider 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon brandy Pinch kosher salt 5 ounces (2 cups) Gruyere, grated 5 ounces (2 cups) Smoked Gouda, rind removed, grated 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon curry powder Several grinds fresh ground black pepper 1) Rub inside of fondue pot or heavy small saucepan with garlic. 2) Pour cider into pot. 3) Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, the brandy and salt and bring to a simmer over medium heat. 4) Meanwhile, grate the cheese and toss well with the cornstarch in a large bowl. 5) When the cider just begins to simmer, gradually add the cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding the next. 6) Continue adding cheese and stirring until all cheese is incorporated, about 3 minutes. 7) If mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to low. The mixture is ready when creamy and easily coats the back of a spoon. 8) Stir in curry powder and pepper. 9) If cheese seems stringy, add some or all of the remaining lemon juice. 10) Move fondue pot to alcohol warmer, and keep stirring during service. 11) A variety of breads, from pumpernickel to rye to bagel chunks can be skewered and dipped as can cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms and potatoes. (Soften all vegetables by blanching briefly in boiling water then chilling.) Crisp fruits such as apples make great fondue fodder, as do cooked meats and sausages. Even soft pretzels make for good dipping. 12) If any fondue is left over, cover with ice water and refrigerate, pour off water and reheat over low heat. Yield: 4 to 6 servings
FONDUE VUDU
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12) Remove cake from oven and place on cooling rack or trivet. 13) Baste or spritz top with brandy and allow to cool completely before turning out from pan. 14) When cake is completely cooled, seal in a tight sealing, food safe container. 15) Every 2 to 3 days, feel the cake and if dry, spritz with brandy. The cake's flavor will enhance considerably over the next two weeks. If you decide to give the cake as a gift, be sure to tell the recipient that they are very lucky indeed. Yield: 10 slices
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15) Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving. Yield: 10 to 12 servings
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HONEY BUTTER
1 pound butter 1/4 cups honey 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Hardware: Dough scraper Standing mixer Parchment paper or plastic wrap Cut the butter into chunks using the dough scraper. Place butter into the mixers work bowl and beat at low speed, using the whisk attachment to loosen the butter. Increase the speed to medium and add the honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove butter from bowl and spoon onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll into a log and refrigerate for 2 hours. Yield: 2 logs
HONEY BUTTER
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IN A CRANBERRY JAM
2 cups Good Eats Cranberry Sauce 4 ounces ginger ale 1 cup sugar 1) Combine all the ingredients into a small, nonreactive saucepan. 2) Bring to a simmer and reduce by twothirds or until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of a loose jam. Remember to keep the heat low to prevent the jam from burning. Yield: 1 cup
IN A CRANBERRY JAM
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"INSTANT" PANCAKES
2 eggs, separated 2 cups buttermilk 4 tablespoons melted butter 2 cups Instant Pancake Mix, recipe above 1 stick butter, for greasing the pan 2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter. Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Dont try to work all the lumps out. Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface. Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.) Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddleside of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set. Serve immediately or remove to a towellined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes. Yield: 12 pancakes
"INSTANT" PANCAKES
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LEMON CURD
5 egg yolks 1 cup sugar 4 lemons, zested and juiced 1 stick butter, cut into pats and chilled 1) Add enough water to a medium saucepan to come about 1inch up the side. 2) Bring to a simmer over mediumhigh heat. 3) Meanwhile, combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium size metal bowl and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute. 4) Measure citrus juice and if needed, add enough cold water to reach 1/3 cup. 5) Add juice and zest to egg mixture and whisk smooth. 6) Once water reaches a simmer, reduce heat to low and place bowl on top of saucepan. (Bowl should be large enough to fit on top of saucepan without touching the water.) 7) Whisk until thickened, approximately 8 minutes, or until mixture is light yellow and coats the back of a spoon. 8) Remove promptly from heat and stir in butter a piece at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next. 9) Remove to a clean container and cover by laying a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd. 10) Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Yield: 1 pint
LEMON CURD
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MASHERS
4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 8 red potatoes, cut into chunks roughly the same size as the russet chunks 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt 3/4 cup low fat buttermilk (not skim) 1/4 cup heavy cream 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, peeled 1) Combine potatoes in a large pot and just cover with cold tap water. 2) Place over high heat and season water with 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt, (it should taste like sea water). 3) Cover the pot and bring to a boil. 4) Meanwhile, combine dairy and garlic in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. 5) Keep this mixture barely simmering until the potatoes are done. 6) As soon as the water comes to a boil, remove the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. 7) Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until a potato chunk can easily be crushed with a pair of tongs. 8) Drain, then return potatoes to the pan, return pot to heat and shake for 30 seconds so the surface water can evaporate. 9) Remove pot and set on a towel or hot pads. 10) Pour about half the garlic mixture into the potatoes and mash with an oldfashioned potato masher. 11) Start tasting and looking at the consistency right away. If mashers seem dry or bland, add more of the garlic mixture. Avoid over mashing or you'll end up with gluey instead of fluffy. 12) Serve straight or garnish with any of the following: parsley, chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, sun dried tomatoes, (If you have the dry ones, make sure you rehydrate them.) grated horseradish, horseradish sauce, pesto, more bacon, sauted mushrooms...use your imagination. Yield: 8 servings
MASHERS
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MIGHTY DUCK
Brine: 1/2 cup kosher salt 1 pint pineapple orange juice 15 whole black peppercorns 1 bunch fresh thyme 4 cloves garlic, smashed 1 (5 1/2 to 6 pound) frozen Long Island Duck, thawed 2 handfuls shredded chard 2 shallots, minced Dash sherry or balsamic vinegar 1) Combine all brine ingredients in a plastic container with a lid. 2) Place the lid on the container and shake to dissolve the salt. 3) Remove the popup thermometer, liver, gizzards, and heart. 4) Cut off the wings. 5) Using kitchen shears, locate the spine at the base of the neck. Cut up the line of the backbone towards the neck cavity. 6) Turn the duck and cut straight towards the rear cavity. Remove the backbone. 7) Turn the duck over and cut straight down the middle of the breast bone, leaving 2 equal duck halves. 8) To separate the legs from the breast, flip your halves over so the flesh side is facing up at you. Using a knife, make a crescent shape cut between the leg and the breast. Lay your knife flat against the skin and make 3 marks in one direction and then in the other, making an X. Make sure that you are cutting through the skin and not the meat. 9) Line the inside of a plastic lexan or a pot with a ziptop bag. 10) Place the duck quarters inside the bag, and pour the brine over the duck. 11) Seal the bag, ensuring that all air is removed from the bag. 12) Brine the duck for 2 to 2 1/2 hours in the refrigerator. 13) Bring 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot. 14) Place a colander into the pot and line the sides of the colander with the duck. Do not stack the duck quarters on each other. 15) Cover and turn the heat to medium low. 16) Steam the duck for 45 minutes. 17) Set oven to 475 degrees F. Place a large cast iron skillet into the oven. 18) Remove duck pieces from steamer and place legs, skin side down, into the hot skillet. 19) Place the skillet into the hot oven immediately and cook the leg quarters for 10 minutes. 20) Add the breasts, skin side down, and cook for 7 more minutes or until the duck takes on a deep mahogany color and the skin is very crisp.
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21) Remove the duck from the skillet and rest under foil. 22) Add the chard and the shallots to the skillet. 23) Toss the chard in the fat until it barely wilts. 24) Season with the sherry or balsamic vinegar. 25) Serve the duck with the chard. Yield: 2 to 4 servings
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13) Add pears to the pan and toss for 2 minutes. 14) Add the balsamic vinegar and continue to toss for 30 seconds. 15) Add sugar and cook until the pears have softened. 16) Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, and the butter and melt slowly. 17) Fold in the blueberries. 18) Remove from heat. 19) Sprinkle on the flour and combine well. Allow to cool to room temperature. 20) Place dough on a floured piece of parchment and roll out to a 1/4inch thick disk. 21) Transfer to a baking sheet. 22) Place cubed pound cake in the middle of the dough, leaving a 3inch margin of crust on all sides. 23) Spoon filling over the cake cubes and top the pears with 1ounce of cubed butter. 24) Lift excess crust onto filling and repeat in a clockwise fashion until a top lip has formed around the edge of the whole tart. 25) Brush the tart with the egg wash and sprinkle the crust with the sugar. 26) Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling begins to bubble and the crust is golden brown. 27) Remove from the sheet pan immediately and cool on pie rack. Yield: 1 Pie
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PASTA
3 quarts water 1 tablespoon kosher salt 16 ounces dried spaghetti noodles 3 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced fine Optional Toppings: Capers Sun dried tomatoes Red pepper Olives Walnuts Hard cheeses like Asiago and Parmesan Soft or veined cheeses like gorgonzola or chevre Canned Artichokes Smoked oysters Black pepper 1) Place water in large lidded pot, add salt and bring to a rolling boil. 2) Add spaghetti, fanning it into the water so that each strand makes contact. 3) Using a wooden spoon or tongs, gently bend noodles to submerge. 4) Cover pot and return to a rolling boil, reducing heat to mediumhigh. 5) Stir occasionally. 6) Pour 3 tablespoons of good quality extra virgin olive oil into the bottom of a wide serving bowl along with garlic. 7) In 4 minutes, start tasting. When done, a string of spaghetti should be springy when pulled on. 8) To the tooth, there should be some resistance but not so much that the pasta sticks in the teeth. 9) As soon as pasta is done, drain immediately in a large colander (lidded models are the best). Shake pasta to stop cooking but don't shake dry. And no rinsing. 10) Add pasta to serving bowl and toss to coat. 11) Quickly divide into individual bowls and toss with various toppings. Yield: 4 servings
PASTA
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POTATO/PORTOBELLO GRATIN
5 or 6 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled 2 or 3 Portobello mushroom caps, sliced thin 1 cup grated hard cheese such as Parmesan or Asiago 3/4 cup half and half Kosher salt and ground black pepper 1) Heat oven to 400 degrees and butter a 9 by 13inch baking dish and set aside. 2) Using a mandolin, Vslicer or the slicing attachment on a food processor, slice the potatoes approximately 1/8inch thick. (If you don't want to slice all the potatoes at once, slice them one at a time and build the gratin as you go.) 3) Create the first layer by laying the slices in overlapping rows. 4) Once the first layer is down, season lightly with salt and pepper, then scatter with mushroom slices and a couple tablespoons of the cheese. (Don't overdo it on these layers, if you create a barrier between the adjoining potato layers, the gratin won't set.) 5) Continue building layers until you're out of potatoes or out of room to build, but be sure to save 1/2 cup of the cheese for the top. 6) Pour 2/3 cup of the half and half over the gratin then spread both hands over the surface and push down to work the air out from the layers. 7) Add remaining liquid only if half and half does not come to the surface when you push down. 8) Sprinkle the gratin with cheese, cover loosely with foil and place in middle of oven for 1 hour. 9) Check for doneness by inserting the point of a paring knife straight into the gratin. If it goes through smoothly, remove the foil, return to oven, and turn on the broiler just long enough to turn the top goldenbrown. 10) Remove, and allow to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Yield: 6 to 8 servings
POTATO/PORTOBELLO GRATIN
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REFRIGERATOR PIE
1cup heavy cream or halfand half 2 eggs 2 pinches kosher salt Freshly grated nutmeg For 1 Refrigerator Pie: 1 frozen 9inch pie crust Any one of the following combinations: a) Cooked spinach, cheddar cheese, cubed cooked ham b) Bacon, sauted leeks, and Gruyere cheese c) Cooked spinach, canned artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese d) Roasted chicken, goat cheese, and sundried tomatoes e) Blanched asparagus and smoked salmon f) Port Salut and Spam 1) In a nonreactive, stainless steel bowl, combine the cream or halfand half and the eggs. 2) Whisk until combined thoroughly. 3) Add the salt and the nutmeg. 4) Whisk to combine. 5) Refrigerator Pie Rules: a) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. b) Evenly distribute the pie fillings in the pie crust. c) Do not overfill the crust with the filling ingredients. d) Do not pour too much royale into the crust. The eggs will expand upon cooking. 6) Bake the pie until it is firm to the touch like set jello, about 45 minutes. 7) Cool the pie for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Yield: 1 refrigerator pie
REFRIGERATOR PIE
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RICE PILAF
2 tablespoons butter 1/2 onion, minced 1/2 red bell pepper, minced 2 pinches kosher salt 2 cups long grain rice 2 3/4 cups chicken broth 2 strips orange zest Pinch of saffron strands, steeped in 1/4 cup hot water 1 bay leaf 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed Golden raisins and pistachios for garnish 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2) In a heavy, wide, lidded pan, melt butter over mediumlow heat. 3) Add onion, red pepper, and kosher salt. 4) Sweat the onions and peppers until aromatic, stirring constantly. 5) Add the rice and stir to coat. Continue stirring until rice smells nutty. 6) Add chicken broth, orange zest, saffron and water, and bay leaf. 7) Bring to a boil. 8) Stir once, then cover pan with moistened dish towel (or tea towel). 9) Place lid on pan and fold towel corners over lid. 10) Bake for 15 minutes. Then rest at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes without removing the cover. 11) Meanwhile, simmer peas in salted water until heated through or heat in a microwave. 12) Remove lid from rice and turn out onto a platter. 13) Add peas and fluff with a large fork. Add raisins and pistachios. Yield: 6 servings
RICE PILAF
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SAWMILL GRAVY
1 pound bulk breakfast sausage 1/4 cup flour 2 cups milk Salt and pepper to taste 1) Cook sausage in a cast iron skillet. 2) When done, remove sausage from pan and pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat. 3) Whisk flour into the fat and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. 4) Remove pan from heat and whisk in milk a little at a time. 5) Return to mediumhigh heat and stir occasionally while the gravy comes to a simmer and thickens. (Be sure to scrape up any brown bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan, that's where the flavor is.) 6) Check seasoning, add crumbled sausage and serve over toast or biscuits. Yield: 2 1/2 cups gravy
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SCONES
2 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup sugar 4 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons shortening 3/4 cup cream 1 egg Handful dried currants or dried cranberries 1) Heat oven to 375 degrees. 2) In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix well. 3) Cut in butter and shortening. 4) In a separate bowl, combine cream with beaten egg then add to dry ingredients. 5) Stir in fruit. 6) Turn dough out onto a floured surface. 7) Roll dough out and cut into biscuit size rounds. 8) Bake for 15 minutes or until brown. Yield: 1 dozen
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SHORTCAKE
2 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons shortening 3/4 cup half and half Melted butter to brush shortcakes Berries Ice cream or whipped cream 1) Heat oven 450 degrees. 2) In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. 3) Cut in butter and shortening. 4) Mix in halfandhalf. 5) Drop by large spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. 6) Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. 7) Bake for 15 minutes or until brown. 8) Cool and eat with berries, ice cream and/or whipped cream. Yield: 8 servings
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SOUTHERN BISCUITS
2 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons shortening 1 cup buttermilk, chilled 1) In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 2) Using your fingertips, rub butter and shortening into dry ingredients until mixture looks like crumbs. (The faster the better, you don't want the fats to melt.) 3) Make a well in the center and pour in the chilled buttermilk. 4) Stir just until the dough comes together. The dough will be very sticky. 5) Turn dough onto floured surface, dust top with flour and gently fold dough over on itself 5 or 6 times. 6) Press into a 1inch thick round. 7) Cut out biscuits with a 2inch cutter, being sure to push straight down through the dough. 8) Place biscuits on baking sheet so that they just touch. 9) Reform scrap dough, working it as little as possible and continue cutting. (Biscuits from the second pass will not be quite as light as those from the first, but hey, that's life.) 10) Bake until biscuits are tall and light gold on top, 15 to 20 minutes.
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9) Turn off the heat, wait 5 minutes then add the lids (waiting will insure that the sealing compound does not melt). Leave all hardware in the pot until youre ready to can. 10) Remove the ladle, tongs, funnel and other tools from the pot, (careful please, its hot in there) to a clean towel or paper towels. 11) Using the jar tongs, remove and drain the jars, placing them on the towel/paper towel surface. (Avoid rock or metal surfaces which could result in thermal shock and breakage.) 12) Place the funnel in the first jar (pick it up by the ring, avoiding the sterile interior.) 13) Use the ladle to fill each jar just to the bottom of the funnel, about 1/3inch from the bottom of the jar threads. This headspace is necessary for the jars to seal during processing. 14) Wipe the jar rims with a moist paper towel, checking for any cracks or irregularities as you go. 15) Use the magnetized device of your choice to position lids on each jar. Screw the rings on finger tight. (Remember, the rings dont seal the jars they only hold the lids in place. Heat will drive out the headspace air, which when cooled will create a vacuum, thus sealing the jars) 16) Return the jars to the pot being certain that they dont touch the bottom of the pot or each other. (If you dont have a jar rack, try a round cake rack, or metal mesh basket. Even a folded kitchen towel on the pot bottom will do in a pinch.) 17) Add additional water if necessary to cover the jars by at least an inch, and bring to a hard boil over high heat according to the table below. (Be sure not to start your timer until a true boil is reached. The headroom air may bubble out of the jars before a boil is reached. Dont be fooled.) Yield: 6 (8ounce) jars
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SUMMER FRUITS
1 Bartlett pear, thinly sliced 1 red plum, seeded and quartered 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, slivered 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 cup rice wine vinegar 1 sprig fresh mint 1) Place the pear, plum, lemon, and fresh ginger in a bowl. 2) In a nonreactive saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and rice wine vinegar. 3) Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook until sugar dissolves. 4) Place the fruit mixture into a springtop glass jar and add the sprig of mint to the fruit. 5) Slowly pour the hot pickling liquid over the fruit, filling the jar to the top. 6) Cool the pickles, then refrigerate for 2 days up to 1 week before serving. Yield: 4 servings
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TURKEY REHASH
8 ounces breakfast sausage 1/2 onion, chopped 1/2 jalapeno, minced 1/2 cup red peppers, chopped 1 1/2 cups red bliss potatoes, cubed and cooked 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans 2 cups Good Eats Corn Bread Pudding, cubed, recipe above 1 to 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed Dash cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste 1) Add the sausage to a heavy skillet over medium high heat and cook until the sausage begins to render some of its fat, about 2 to 3 minutes. 2) Add the onions, jalapeno and peppers to the sausage and cook until soft and translucent. 3) Add the potatoes to the skillet and increase the heat to high. Cook until the potatoes have browned lightly. 4) Add the black beans, pudding, and turkey and stir occasionally. Cook until the hash is thoroughly heated. 5) Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. Yield: 4 servings
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WHITE ROUX
4 tablespoons of pan drippings and/or butter 6 tablespoons flour 1) Heat fat or over medium high heat. Add flour all at once whisking vigorously. 2) When mixture thins and starts to bubble, reduce heat to low and cut back on the whisking. 3) Cook until you smell a toasty aroma then cook 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally. 4) Roux can be used immediately to thicken a liquid that is at or below room temperature. To thicken a hot liquid, allow roux to cool to room temperature, or refrigerate. 5) Tightly wrapped, roux can be refrigerated for up to a month. Simply break off pieces and use as needed. Yield: Enough roux to thicken 1 pint of liquid. Recipe can be doubled or tripled.
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