When Sacha and Kat had their baby Lukas, two years ago, I had the privilege of going to the baby shower at Diana's house. She had these AMAZING meatballs that I just couldn't get enough of. Here's her recipe share:
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups ketchup
2 tbsp worcestershire
1 tsp dried mustard
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 squeezed lemon
1/2 cup honey
4 cloves garlic
1 bag of italian meatballs from M&M meatshop
Mix the bouillon and water together. Then mix all ingredients and boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
She served it in a slowcooker, which always makes me think that you have to slow cook this recipe, when in fact it's actually super simple and super fast. I have made it twice now (both times, served in a slow cooker for ease of transport) and have always received compliments! Thanks Di.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Cranberry Bonanza
Nica worked an event a couple weeks ago where some guy had a cranberry stand. At the end of the night, he decided it was too much of a hassle to take all the cranberries back so all the techs took a box home. Nica, bless his Chinese-influenced-soul, decided to take 2 boxes. I don't know why because I never ever cook with cranberries and these were honking huge boxes. I gave one to my sister and the other to work for all to take for Thanksgiving. I did keep a few, since all my colleagues started coming up with cranberry recipes. Here's one that I tried:
Cranberry Orange Loaf
By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen
33 people added this to their Recipe Box
Tested Till Perfect
The combination of cranberry and orange makes this loaf from food writer Carol Ferguson absolutely delicious.
Servings: 1 loave, 16 slices
Ingredients:
1 orange
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) chopped cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted
Preparation:
Grate rind from orange. Squeeze juice into liquid measure; add enough water to make 3/4 cup (175 mL). Set aside.
In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange rind; stir in cranberries. In small bowl, whisk together egg, butter and orange juice; stir into flour mixture just until blended. Spread in greased 9- x 5-inch (2 L) loaf pan.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes; turn out onto rack and let cool completely. Wrap and let stand for 12 hours before slicing. (Make-ahead: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or overwrap with heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)
I made this recipe for my family Thanksgiving dinner and it was a little bread-y but it was nice and moist and not too bad! It was a little crumbly though. Would definitely try it again and maybe add another egg to try and bind it better.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen
33 people added this to their Recipe Box
Tested Till Perfect
The combination of cranberry and orange makes this loaf from food writer Carol Ferguson absolutely delicious.
Servings: 1 loave, 16 slices
Ingredients:
1 orange
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) chopped cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted
Preparation:
Grate rind from orange. Squeeze juice into liquid measure; add enough water to make 3/4 cup (175 mL). Set aside.
In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange rind; stir in cranberries. In small bowl, whisk together egg, butter and orange juice; stir into flour mixture just until blended. Spread in greased 9- x 5-inch (2 L) loaf pan.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes; turn out onto rack and let cool completely. Wrap and let stand for 12 hours before slicing. (Make-ahead: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or overwrap with heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)
I made this recipe for my family Thanksgiving dinner and it was a little bread-y but it was nice and moist and not too bad! It was a little crumbly though. Would definitely try it again and maybe add another egg to try and bind it better.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Broccoli Salad Recipe
For the Love of Bacon! My sister gave me this recipe today after dining at her house and enjoying her broccoli salad. It has bacon so of course it's yummy-licious. She says she's had lots of requests for the recipe and I can taste why!
Fresh Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
* 2 heads fresh broccoli
* 1 red onion
* 1/2 pound bacon
* 3/4 cup raisins
* 3/4 cup sliced almonds/cashews
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Directions
1. Place bacon in a deep skillet and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Cool and crumble.
2. Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces and cut the onion into thin bite-size slices. Combine and mix with the bacon, raisins, almonds and cashews.
3. To prepare the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into the salad, let chill and serve.
Can't wait to try this out myself and will have 'Beano' on hand due to the raw broccoli. ha ha!
Update June 4, 2010:
Well, I tried making this and I followed it exactly as the recipe stated except I only used slivered almonds. The result? WAYYYY too sweet! I would totally cut back on the sugar next time. changing the rating from 9 out of 10 to 7 out of 10. Although when Jen makes it, it's definitely a 9.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Cooking website
After months and months of wanting a pasta maker, I finally bought one last week. I'll put a separate review of my experience with that.
In preparation for my first pasta-making experience the geek in me decided I would try and learn how to do it online first. I ended up stumbling upon this website:
http://rouxbe.com/?l=t
TOTALLY awesome instructional videos with lots of different 'how-to's'. I only browsed through it as a guest but they have everything!!! What's great is that they actually show you both what you should look for and what you shouldn't. Most places only show you what you should see, so you never know if you've done something wrong.
Maybe one day I'll buy the full subscription but for now I'm satisfied with all the free videos that they offer.
In preparation for my first pasta-making experience the geek in me decided I would try and learn how to do it online first. I ended up stumbling upon this website:
http://rouxbe.com/?l=t
TOTALLY awesome instructional videos with lots of different 'how-to's'. I only browsed through it as a guest but they have everything!!! What's great is that they actually show you both what you should look for and what you shouldn't. Most places only show you what you should see, so you never know if you've done something wrong.
Maybe one day I'll buy the full subscription but for now I'm satisfied with all the free videos that they offer.
Thai Food: Mango sticky rice
Who says Men can't cook?
Again, another male colleague of mine, Will, said that he and his girlfriend took this cooking class when they were in Thailand. They made a few dishes and one of them was this (according to him) and easy one called Mango Sticky rice. He says it tastes pretty good, as you would have it in a restaurant. I've never had it ever so it would be a complete first for me.
I copied the recipe from him because I was suppose to go to a Thai-themed dinner party at my friend Ali's, but she had a cranky baby that day so cancelled it. My loss but I figure I can still try this recipe out one day. Here's the recipe from Will's Thai Cook book:
For rice:
1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
1/2 cup thick coconut cream
4 tablespoons white sugar (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt.
Topping sauce:
4 tablespoons thick coconut cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon corn flour dissolved in 4 tablespoons of cold water (my guess is corn flour is the same as corn starch)
Accompaniments:
1 large ripe sweet mango
1 teaspoon deep fried mung bean seeds or tasted sesame seeds.
Directions:
1. Make the rice in a rice cooker.
2. Mix the sauce ingredients together and combine with the cooked rice.
3. Make the topping by mixing the salt, sugar, coconut cream and corn flour mixture in saucepan and heating on medium until the sauce thickens
4. Peel mango and slice into 12 pieces discarding the stone. Arrange on plates with the rice and dribble sauce on top and then sprinkle with seeds.
Again, another male colleague of mine, Will, said that he and his girlfriend took this cooking class when they were in Thailand. They made a few dishes and one of them was this (according to him) and easy one called Mango Sticky rice. He says it tastes pretty good, as you would have it in a restaurant. I've never had it ever so it would be a complete first for me.
I copied the recipe from him because I was suppose to go to a Thai-themed dinner party at my friend Ali's, but she had a cranky baby that day so cancelled it. My loss but I figure I can still try this recipe out one day. Here's the recipe from Will's Thai Cook book:
For rice:
1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
1/2 cup thick coconut cream
4 tablespoons white sugar (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt.
Topping sauce:
4 tablespoons thick coconut cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon corn flour dissolved in 4 tablespoons of cold water (my guess is corn flour is the same as corn starch)
Accompaniments:
1 large ripe sweet mango
1 teaspoon deep fried mung bean seeds or tasted sesame seeds.
Directions:
1. Make the rice in a rice cooker.
2. Mix the sauce ingredients together and combine with the cooked rice.
3. Make the topping by mixing the salt, sugar, coconut cream and corn flour mixture in saucepan and heating on medium until the sauce thickens
4. Peel mango and slice into 12 pieces discarding the stone. Arrange on plates with the rice and dribble sauce on top and then sprinkle with seeds.
Show me dem Mussels!
About a week and a half ago, Nica and I took this one-day French cooking course at this place called "Cookshop" in City Square. All Summer long they had 2 for 1 classes so for the two of us, it only cost $99. http://www.cookshop.ca/store/
So essentially what happens is that you're in the class with a bunch of other people. There's a demonstration area at the front of the class, and a series of tables in front of that. Each table has a portable stovestop on it, with the ingredients for whatever dish you're going to make. In our class, we were going to learn how to make 7 different dishes from the French Brittany region. I initially thought that we were going to make all 7 ourselves (just Nica and I) but I learnt that each couple would prepare one of the dishes, and then we'd all share together at the end of it.
It was a bit of a gong show. The chef was good in coming around to each one of our tables and showing us the cooking technique for our own dish. Sometimes he'd call everyone over to watch what he was doing but since you were cooking for everyone, you didn't want to abandon your station and ruin the food. So I did miss a few demonstrations. I didn't leave with the comfort of knowing how to cook the other dishes so I probably wouldn't do a participation class again.
My review aside, we have put to use some of the recipes he gave us. Last night we enjoyed the Steamed mussels with White Wine, Shallot and Parsley. In the class my friends Janine and Cam made this. They said it was super simple so we thought we could give it a try too. I picked up a bag of mussels from Costco and had enough to make this dish twice: once for ourselves and again last night with another couple, Flo and Scott.
Here's the recipe:
4 1/2 pounds of mussels, scrubbed with the beard removed
1 1/2 ounces butter
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1/2 chopped celery stalk
2 garlic cloves
1 2/3 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Discard any mussels that are open already and don't close when tapped on the work surface. Melt the butter in a large saucepan and cook the shallots, celery and garlic, stirring occasionally, over moderate heat until the onion is softened but not browned.
Add the wine, bay leaf and thyme to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover the saucepan tightly and simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Use tongs to lift out the mussels as they open, putting them into a warm dish. Throw away any mussels that haven't opened after 3 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a clean saucepan, leaving behind any grit or sand. Bring to a boil again for 2 minutes. Add the cream and reheat the sauce without boiling. Season well. Serve the mussels in individual bowls with liquid poured over. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with plenty of bread.
My notes: Both times we made the mussels I forgot to buy the celery and thyme so we did it without. Also we used half-and-half cream instead of cream. The first time it separated when we added it to the broth because it was boiling and we added the cream too quickly. Plus we used our Gustav Adolf Schmitt as the wine which was far too sweet. The second time we used a Pinot Gris by Coppermoon and Nica let the broth cool a bit before adding the cream slowly as he stirred. It was a 100 times better the second time and Flo gave it a great review.
My changes for next time? I don't think I'll buy mussels from Costco again. And I'll probably use celery and fresh thyme to see if it makes a big difference.
So essentially what happens is that you're in the class with a bunch of other people. There's a demonstration area at the front of the class, and a series of tables in front of that. Each table has a portable stovestop on it, with the ingredients for whatever dish you're going to make. In our class, we were going to learn how to make 7 different dishes from the French Brittany region. I initially thought that we were going to make all 7 ourselves (just Nica and I) but I learnt that each couple would prepare one of the dishes, and then we'd all share together at the end of it.
It was a bit of a gong show. The chef was good in coming around to each one of our tables and showing us the cooking technique for our own dish. Sometimes he'd call everyone over to watch what he was doing but since you were cooking for everyone, you didn't want to abandon your station and ruin the food. So I did miss a few demonstrations. I didn't leave with the comfort of knowing how to cook the other dishes so I probably wouldn't do a participation class again.
My review aside, we have put to use some of the recipes he gave us. Last night we enjoyed the Steamed mussels with White Wine, Shallot and Parsley. In the class my friends Janine and Cam made this. They said it was super simple so we thought we could give it a try too. I picked up a bag of mussels from Costco and had enough to make this dish twice: once for ourselves and again last night with another couple, Flo and Scott.
Here's the recipe:
4 1/2 pounds of mussels, scrubbed with the beard removed
1 1/2 ounces butter
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1/2 chopped celery stalk
2 garlic cloves
1 2/3 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Discard any mussels that are open already and don't close when tapped on the work surface. Melt the butter in a large saucepan and cook the shallots, celery and garlic, stirring occasionally, over moderate heat until the onion is softened but not browned.
Add the wine, bay leaf and thyme to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover the saucepan tightly and simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Use tongs to lift out the mussels as they open, putting them into a warm dish. Throw away any mussels that haven't opened after 3 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a clean saucepan, leaving behind any grit or sand. Bring to a boil again for 2 minutes. Add the cream and reheat the sauce without boiling. Season well. Serve the mussels in individual bowls with liquid poured over. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with plenty of bread.
My notes: Both times we made the mussels I forgot to buy the celery and thyme so we did it without. Also we used half-and-half cream instead of cream. The first time it separated when we added it to the broth because it was boiling and we added the cream too quickly. Plus we used our Gustav Adolf Schmitt as the wine which was far too sweet. The second time we used a Pinot Gris by Coppermoon and Nica let the broth cool a bit before adding the cream slowly as he stirred. It was a 100 times better the second time and Flo gave it a great review.
My changes for next time? I don't think I'll buy mussels from Costco again. And I'll probably use celery and fresh thyme to see if it makes a big difference.
My Love of Joie
Joie wines
About a year ago, a good girlfriend of mine, Mela, and I went to this place called the Salt Tasting Room in Gastown. It's like this little slice of heaven in a not-so-fantastic neighbourhood. The entrance of the place is in this alley that you clutch your purse in, thinking that you'll see some guy shooting up behind a dumpster. Then you open the door to the restaurant and you're transported to some other dimension. Long wooden tables, brick walls and this huge chalkboard advertising all the types of food you can pair your wine with. What's super cool? No ovens!
Website: http://www.salttastingroom.com/
We decided to have a flight of wines with food (3 types of wines, paired with 3 types of food). One of the wines we tried was "Joie: A Noble Blend". Our feedback? Simply AMAZING. It's a sweeter wine with flavours of apple. The harmony of flavours blew our minds away and it instantly ranked as my favourite wine.
I had to taste for myself if this winery was a one-wine hit place, or if all their wines were like this. Unfortunately their wines aren't sold in the BC Liquor stores (only speciality wine stores) so buying this wine is serious business for me! Plus on average their wines are about $25 which totally breaks my $20 max rule. But you know what? I broke my rules and haven't regretted it one bit. Totally worth every single penny they sell the wine for.
I had a sample of "Joie Rose" at the downtown Joey's restaurant location (which has the most selection of wines by the glass in Vancouver, by the way). Again, a sweeter wine with some floral notes to it and again, 10 out of 10 from me on this wine. I think I've bought about 5 bottles since.
My older brother, Chris, bought me the Riseling that we enjoyed the other night at our family dinner. Again, thumbs up from everyone all around. I still rank it above some of the other wines I've tried but out of all the Joie wines I've tried, it probably places 3rd.
I can't wait to try all their other types since I still haven't tried their un-oaked chardonnay and their Muscat which is sold out for 2008.
They're clearly not a one-hit wine wonder. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single type of wine they've made and others don't disagree. Recently they won TWO Lieutenant Governor General’s Awards of Excellence for their wines. Not bad considering only 12 wines get this award every year!!!
Here's a link to their website: http://www.joie.ca/2008_joie_vintage_spec_sheet.htm
About a year ago, a good girlfriend of mine, Mela, and I went to this place called the Salt Tasting Room in Gastown. It's like this little slice of heaven in a not-so-fantastic neighbourhood. The entrance of the place is in this alley that you clutch your purse in, thinking that you'll see some guy shooting up behind a dumpster. Then you open the door to the restaurant and you're transported to some other dimension. Long wooden tables, brick walls and this huge chalkboard advertising all the types of food you can pair your wine with. What's super cool? No ovens!
Website: http://www.salttastingroom.com/
We decided to have a flight of wines with food (3 types of wines, paired with 3 types of food). One of the wines we tried was "Joie: A Noble Blend". Our feedback? Simply AMAZING. It's a sweeter wine with flavours of apple. The harmony of flavours blew our minds away and it instantly ranked as my favourite wine.
I had to taste for myself if this winery was a one-wine hit place, or if all their wines were like this. Unfortunately their wines aren't sold in the BC Liquor stores (only speciality wine stores) so buying this wine is serious business for me! Plus on average their wines are about $25 which totally breaks my $20 max rule. But you know what? I broke my rules and haven't regretted it one bit. Totally worth every single penny they sell the wine for.
I had a sample of "Joie Rose" at the downtown Joey's restaurant location (which has the most selection of wines by the glass in Vancouver, by the way). Again, a sweeter wine with some floral notes to it and again, 10 out of 10 from me on this wine. I think I've bought about 5 bottles since.
My older brother, Chris, bought me the Riseling that we enjoyed the other night at our family dinner. Again, thumbs up from everyone all around. I still rank it above some of the other wines I've tried but out of all the Joie wines I've tried, it probably places 3rd.
I can't wait to try all their other types since I still haven't tried their un-oaked chardonnay and their Muscat which is sold out for 2008.
They're clearly not a one-hit wine wonder. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single type of wine they've made and others don't disagree. Recently they won TWO Lieutenant Governor General’s Awards of Excellence for their wines. Not bad considering only 12 wines get this award every year!!!
Here's a link to their website: http://www.joie.ca/2008_joie_vintage_spec_sheet.htm
Easy Peasy Cheesecakes
Easy Peasy Cheesecakes
A good friend of mine, Julie, was recently married. In celebration of this marriage, her aunts threw her this insane bridal shower/stagette complete with feather boas, tiaras, champagne and of course: good food.
Now I just recently admitted to myself that I was lactose intolerant (after the last reaction caused me to almost crap my pants). So I've really tried to watch what I eat. However, that night one of her aunts made these super cute cheesecakes. They were individual sized in little cupcake holders and after popping a couple of lactaid, I have to admit: it was worth it! They were light, fluffy and perfectly portioned.
Here's the easy peasy recipe:
1 package Mr. Christy's Nilla wafers
2 packages Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
Mix all ingredients with a beater and then bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Top with whatever topping you want (e.g. blackberries with blueberry coulis, etc).
I tried this recipe at a work party last week and they were a total hit. I did modify the recipe a little bit by using 3 eggs (to try and achieve super fluffiness) and I measured out 1 cup of sugar instead. I wasn't able to eat them that night but feedback was very positive.
Notes about making this though (thanks to my colleagues for helping me out with this): While mixing the ingredients in the Kitchenaid mixer, there were lumps of cream cheese. Try to beat it as much as possible to get rid of the lumps. A few leftover lumps are ok since they'll melt when you bake them. Also, after mixing the resulting mixture will be very liquidy, but it solidifes after the baking process.
A good friend of mine, Julie, was recently married. In celebration of this marriage, her aunts threw her this insane bridal shower/stagette complete with feather boas, tiaras, champagne and of course: good food.
Now I just recently admitted to myself that I was lactose intolerant (after the last reaction caused me to almost crap my pants). So I've really tried to watch what I eat. However, that night one of her aunts made these super cute cheesecakes. They were individual sized in little cupcake holders and after popping a couple of lactaid, I have to admit: it was worth it! They were light, fluffy and perfectly portioned.
Here's the easy peasy recipe:
1 package Mr. Christy's Nilla wafers
2 packages Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
Mix all ingredients with a beater and then bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Top with whatever topping you want (e.g. blackberries with blueberry coulis, etc).
I tried this recipe at a work party last week and they were a total hit. I did modify the recipe a little bit by using 3 eggs (to try and achieve super fluffiness) and I measured out 1 cup of sugar instead. I wasn't able to eat them that night but feedback was very positive.
Notes about making this though (thanks to my colleagues for helping me out with this): While mixing the ingredients in the Kitchenaid mixer, there were lumps of cream cheese. Try to beat it as much as possible to get rid of the lumps. A few leftover lumps are ok since they'll melt when you bake them. Also, after mixing the resulting mixture will be very liquidy, but it solidifes after the baking process.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Winzertanz: Gustav Adolf Schmitt
Nica found this German white for me one day in the liquor store. I always lingered around the German whites because honestly, I think they make the best whites in the world. Cheap, cheerful and just the right amount of sweetness. This wine is also sold in the 2 litre format which is even better for under $15!!! (obviously you can see why I like this wine so much). The only place I've found it in the 2 litre format though, it the BC liquor store on 41st and Cambie. I pick up a couple bottles everytime I go visit my parents.
Anyway, solid 9 out of 10 from me on this one. Easy to drink is an understatement. I can finish off a whole 2 litre bottle in one night and I can't even drink that much water in one sitting. Sometimes if you're drunk enough, it only tastes like apple juice. Clean start, clean finish, sweeter wine and great chilled. The price is worth it as an everyday wine.
Calona Vineyards: Sovereign Opal 2007
My friend Julie did it again. She's found another great white! Wine, that is.
This is a VQA wine, and when you first smell it, you fall in love. It has hints of peach and apple and this... I don't know how to explain it, it just SMELLS good. It tastes like it smells too! (Unlike vanilla extract and durian). It's slightly sweet, but not TOO sweet. When it hits the back of your tongue before you swallow, it's pleasant and not cringingly tart.
The bottle is elegant (although honestly it should be what's inside that counts) but overall, nice packaging and a wine that deserves it. It's about $13 and can be found in any BC Liquor store. I've already bought 3 bottles and I'm not sure how long they're going to last. It's a perfect summer wine! 9.5 out of 10.
Renne's Latke's
I love my Food and Wine magazine subscription (I guess I love a lot of food things, don't I?) Anyway, here is a recipe I tried for potato latke's:
3 1/2 pounds baking potatoes; peeled and halved
1 large yellow onion, cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons chopped dill
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Canola oil, for frying
applesauce and sour cream for serving (I only used the sour cream!)
1. shred the potato and onion. Squeeze it dry to try and get all the moisture out.
2. Stir in flour, eggs, dill, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil until simmering. Spoon 2 tablespoons of potato mixture into oil, pressing to slightly flatten. Fry over moderate heat, turning once until the latke's are golden and crisp on both sides (about 7 minutes)
4. Drain the latkes on a paper towel and serve!
3 1/2 pounds baking potatoes; peeled and halved
1 large yellow onion, cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons chopped dill
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Canola oil, for frying
applesauce and sour cream for serving (I only used the sour cream!)
1. shred the potato and onion. Squeeze it dry to try and get all the moisture out.
2. Stir in flour, eggs, dill, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil until simmering. Spoon 2 tablespoons of potato mixture into oil, pressing to slightly flatten. Fry over moderate heat, turning once until the latke's are golden and crisp on both sides (about 7 minutes)
4. Drain the latkes on a paper towel and serve!
Wolf Blass: 2006 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
My friend Naz brought over this bottle of red wine. Can't remember if I liked it or not! I drank it all so I can only figure that I did...I'm giving it an 8 out of 10.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Naan
NAAN:
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water
* 1/4 cup white sugar
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 4 1/2 cups bread flour
* 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.
2. Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
3. During the second rising, preheat grill to high heat.
4. At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared.
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water
* 1/4 cup white sugar
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 4 1/2 cups bread flour
* 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.
2. Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
3. During the second rising, preheat grill to high heat.
4. At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared.
Butter Chicken
BUTTER CHICKEN:
Ingredients:
Tandoori Chicken
* 10 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 21/4 lbs / 1.1 kg)
* 1/2 cup bottled Tandoori marinade (see Tip)
Butter Chicken Sauce
* 2 tbsp butter
* 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
* 1 tbsp minced garlic
* 1 1/2 tbsp grated gingerroot
* 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
* 3/4 tsp ground turmeric
* 3/4 tsp ground coriander
* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ground cumin
* 1 can (28 oz/798 mL) diced tomatoes, drained
* 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
* 1/3 cup light sour cream (not fat-free)
* 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
* 1 tbsp cashew/almond butter (Tip)
* Hot cooked basmati rice (optional)
Directions:
Tandoori Chicken
1. Poke raw chicken thighs in several places with a fork. Place chicken in a large, heavy-duty, resealable plastic bag. Add Tandoori marinade to bag. Turn bag several times to coat chicken with marinade. Marinate chicken in refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Do not overbake the chicken, or it will be dry. When cool enough to handle, cut into bite-sized pieces and add to the butter chicken sauce as directed in recipe.
Butter Chicken Sauce
1. While chicken is baking, make sauce. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook slowly, stirring often, until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add gingerroot, chili powder, turmeric, ground coriander, cinnamon and cumin. Cook 1 more minute. Add drained tomatoes, broth, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
2. Transfer half the sauce to a blender and purée until smooth. Return puréed sauce to pot with remaining sauce. Mix well and return to heat. Stir in sour cream, cilantro and cashew/almond butter. Add cut-up Tandoori chicken and mix well. Cook just until chicken is hot. Serve over hot basmati rice, if desired.
Ingredients:
Tandoori Chicken
* 10 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 21/4 lbs / 1.1 kg)
* 1/2 cup bottled Tandoori marinade (see Tip)
Butter Chicken Sauce
* 2 tbsp butter
* 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
* 1 tbsp minced garlic
* 1 1/2 tbsp grated gingerroot
* 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
* 3/4 tsp ground turmeric
* 3/4 tsp ground coriander
* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ground cumin
* 1 can (28 oz/798 mL) diced tomatoes, drained
* 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
* 1/3 cup light sour cream (not fat-free)
* 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
* 1 tbsp cashew/almond butter (Tip)
* Hot cooked basmati rice (optional)
Directions:
Tandoori Chicken
1. Poke raw chicken thighs in several places with a fork. Place chicken in a large, heavy-duty, resealable plastic bag. Add Tandoori marinade to bag. Turn bag several times to coat chicken with marinade. Marinate chicken in refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Do not overbake the chicken, or it will be dry. When cool enough to handle, cut into bite-sized pieces and add to the butter chicken sauce as directed in recipe.
Butter Chicken Sauce
1. While chicken is baking, make sauce. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook slowly, stirring often, until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add gingerroot, chili powder, turmeric, ground coriander, cinnamon and cumin. Cook 1 more minute. Add drained tomatoes, broth, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
2. Transfer half the sauce to a blender and purée until smooth. Return puréed sauce to pot with remaining sauce. Mix well and return to heat. Stir in sour cream, cilantro and cashew/almond butter. Add cut-up Tandoori chicken and mix well. Cook just until chicken is hot. Serve over hot basmati rice, if desired.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Three Herb Butter
Three-Herb Butter
Yields about 1-1/4 cups.
1/2 lb. (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (about 3 oz.)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from about 1 oz. parsley sprigs)
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves (from about 3/4 oz. thyme sprigs)
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves (from about 1/2 oz. sage sprigs)
In a 10-inch skillet, melt 1 Tbs. of the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the shallots and cook until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add the wine and boil until it's completely evaporated 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley, thyme, and sage and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes more. Transfer to a medium bowl and refrigerate. When well chilled, put the remaining butter in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the herb mixture and beat on medium speed until blended, about 1 minute.
On a large piece of plastic wrap, shape the herb butter into a log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate.
Make Ahead Tips
The butter can be made up to 1 week ahead and refrigerated or up to 2 months ahead and frozen. If frozen, take the butter out of the freezer and store in the refrigerator a day before you plan to use it.
Update April 25, 2009: I royally screwed this recipe up. I was reading the ingredients and trying to cook at the same time and ended up melting the entire 1/2 lb of butter instead of just a tablespoon. Tried to save myself by taking out most of it... but it was probably too late. It had already clarified and foamed. I mixed everything together after, put it into the fridge to try and harden but have this sinking feeling that I've ruined it! Too scared to try it... it's sitting in my freezer right now.
Yields about 1-1/4 cups.
1/2 lb. (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (about 3 oz.)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from about 1 oz. parsley sprigs)
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves (from about 3/4 oz. thyme sprigs)
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves (from about 1/2 oz. sage sprigs)
In a 10-inch skillet, melt 1 Tbs. of the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the shallots and cook until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add the wine and boil until it's completely evaporated 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley, thyme, and sage and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes more. Transfer to a medium bowl and refrigerate. When well chilled, put the remaining butter in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the herb mixture and beat on medium speed until blended, about 1 minute.
On a large piece of plastic wrap, shape the herb butter into a log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate.
Make Ahead Tips
The butter can be made up to 1 week ahead and refrigerated or up to 2 months ahead and frozen. If frozen, take the butter out of the freezer and store in the refrigerator a day before you plan to use it.
Update April 25, 2009: I royally screwed this recipe up. I was reading the ingredients and trying to cook at the same time and ended up melting the entire 1/2 lb of butter instead of just a tablespoon. Tried to save myself by taking out most of it... but it was probably too late. It had already clarified and foamed. I mixed everything together after, put it into the fridge to try and harden but have this sinking feeling that I've ruined it! Too scared to try it... it's sitting in my freezer right now.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tilapia Ceviche
Mmmm... ceviche!
Tilapia Ceviche from http://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t--3523/tilapia-ceviche.asp
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds tilapia fresh and cubed into small chunks
- 15 limes - cut in half
- 1 white onion - large and diced
- 2 tomatoes - diced
- 1 avocados - chopped
- 1 jalapeño - seeded and chopped, more to taste
salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cilantro - chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Cut fish into small pieces.
Squeeze lime halves over the fish pieces in a large bowl. (A hand juicer works nicely for this.)
Be sure all of the pieces are completely covered with lime juice.
Cover with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator to marinate overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Note: The acidity of the lime juice cooks, or cures, the tilapia.
Remove from the refrigerator, do not drain.
Chop onion, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños and add it into the marinated fish.
Mix in olive oil and salt
Serve with assorted crackers as an appetizer.
Update April 12, 2009: Well, I didn't die. I cured the fish for 12 hours and added the other ingredients. I wasn't super in-love with it, but I'd give it a 7 out of 10. By the way, HORRIBLE dish as a leftover. The avocado turns brown and makes the dish look nasty, even though I know the avocado is fine. Anyway, best served fresh and eaten all in one sitting.
Wild Mushroom Orzo
I'm having some friends over this Saturday for lunch and thought I'd review what I was serving. One friend does not eat meat (but does eat seafood) and I saw this great recipe on TV that used wild mushrooms and the mushroom water as the stock and can't remember the steps exactly but found this recipe online:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lukes-Wild-Mushroom-Orzo-350821
Wild Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients
For the mushroom stock:
1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (about 1 ounce)
1 sprig fresh thyme
For the orzo:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (about 4 ounces), washed, dried, and chopped into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons dry vermouth
1 1/2 cups orzo
To finish the dish:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Optional:
1 teaspoon white-truffle oil
TO PREPARE THE MUSHROOM STOCK:
1. In a small pot, immerse the dried porcinis in 4 1/2 cups of water. Add the sprig of thyme whole.
2. Bring the mushroom mixture to a boil over high heat, then remove immediately from the stove and set aside for 5 minutes.
TO PREPARE THE ORZO:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepot. Add the onion and cook over medium heat until it takes on a light golden color, about 3 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
2. Add the mixed wild mushrooms and stir well to combine. Saute; on medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mushrooms are just starting to color. At this point, but not before, add the salt and pepper (if you do it earlier, before the mushrooms have opened up, the salt will pull out all the moisture). Mix well to combine and continue cooking for another 30 seconds, until the mushrooms have started to reduce and color.
3. Move the pan well away from the heat (so you don't catch fire) and add the vermouth. Stir to combine and then return to the heat for just a few seconds, until the vermouth and mushroom juices form a syrupy mixture in the bottom of the pan.
4. Remove the pan from the heat, add the orzo, and mix well, so the grains are all coated with the pan juices.
5. Remove the thyme sprig from the porcini mixture and discard. Pour the porcinis and liquid over the orzo.
6. Return the pan to medium-high heat and bring up to a low boil, stirring well to combine. Turn the heat down to low, and keep the mixture at a very lazy bubble for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo is done when it's swelled up and become tender, but still has a bit of a bounce between the teeth. There should be just a little bit of syrupy liquid on the bottom, but the orzo mixture should be a bit wet. (If you cook it till the liquid is completely absorbed, you'll have a sticky mess.)
TO FINISH THE DISH:
1. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the butter and mix in well; then add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and continue stirring. Add the parsley and thyme leaves and mix well, until the texture of the dish is softer and richer from the butter and cheese and all the ingredients are well combined. If you're using the truffle oil, add it and mix well so the oil is absorbed.
2. Serve as quickly as possible, topped with a little more of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Update April 11, 2009: Well, Janine couldn't make the lunch (which turned into a dinner because of the birth of my nephew) and since she was the vegetarian, I ended up using chicken stock instead of the mushroom water. in addition, I used arborio rice instead of orzo. Turned out okay although I think I undersalted. I'd probably cook it again but I would only give it a 7.5 out of 10 this time round. I think it could have had more depth with better seasoning.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lukes-Wild-Mushroom-Orzo-350821
Wild Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients
For the mushroom stock:
1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (about 1 ounce)
1 sprig fresh thyme
For the orzo:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (about 4 ounces), washed, dried, and chopped into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons dry vermouth
1 1/2 cups orzo
To finish the dish:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Optional:
1 teaspoon white-truffle oil
TO PREPARE THE MUSHROOM STOCK:
1. In a small pot, immerse the dried porcinis in 4 1/2 cups of water. Add the sprig of thyme whole.
2. Bring the mushroom mixture to a boil over high heat, then remove immediately from the stove and set aside for 5 minutes.
TO PREPARE THE ORZO:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepot. Add the onion and cook over medium heat until it takes on a light golden color, about 3 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
2. Add the mixed wild mushrooms and stir well to combine. Saute; on medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mushrooms are just starting to color. At this point, but not before, add the salt and pepper (if you do it earlier, before the mushrooms have opened up, the salt will pull out all the moisture). Mix well to combine and continue cooking for another 30 seconds, until the mushrooms have started to reduce and color.
3. Move the pan well away from the heat (so you don't catch fire) and add the vermouth. Stir to combine and then return to the heat for just a few seconds, until the vermouth and mushroom juices form a syrupy mixture in the bottom of the pan.
4. Remove the pan from the heat, add the orzo, and mix well, so the grains are all coated with the pan juices.
5. Remove the thyme sprig from the porcini mixture and discard. Pour the porcinis and liquid over the orzo.
6. Return the pan to medium-high heat and bring up to a low boil, stirring well to combine. Turn the heat down to low, and keep the mixture at a very lazy bubble for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo is done when it's swelled up and become tender, but still has a bit of a bounce between the teeth. There should be just a little bit of syrupy liquid on the bottom, but the orzo mixture should be a bit wet. (If you cook it till the liquid is completely absorbed, you'll have a sticky mess.)
TO FINISH THE DISH:
1. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the butter and mix in well; then add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and continue stirring. Add the parsley and thyme leaves and mix well, until the texture of the dish is softer and richer from the butter and cheese and all the ingredients are well combined. If you're using the truffle oil, add it and mix well so the oil is absorbed.
2. Serve as quickly as possible, topped with a little more of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Update April 11, 2009: Well, Janine couldn't make the lunch (which turned into a dinner because of the birth of my nephew) and since she was the vegetarian, I ended up using chicken stock instead of the mushroom water. in addition, I used arborio rice instead of orzo. Turned out okay although I think I undersalted. I'd probably cook it again but I would only give it a 7.5 out of 10 this time round. I think it could have had more depth with better seasoning.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Herb Butter Roasted turkey with Pinot noir gravy
Jill, another colleague from work, sent me this recipe below. It's from the finecooking website: http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/herb-butter-turkey-pinot-noir-gravy.aspx
I've tasted her baking before and I can attest that she's got good taste. So I can only assume that this is good too!
Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Pinot Noir Gravy
by Ris Lacoste
To brine the turkey you need space for a 5-gallon pot in your refrigerator. If you have neither the room nor the pot, you can cook the brine in a smaller pan and proceed with one of our alternative brining methods.
Serves twelve, with leftovers.
For the brine:
2-1/2 gallons water
2-1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup maple syrup
24 bay leaves
24 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup whole black peppercorns
2 small bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 4 oz.)
1 small bunch fresh sage (about 1 oz.)
6 medium sprigs fresh rosemary
Zest and juice of 4 large lemons (remove the zest in long strips with a vegetable peeler)
For the turkey:
14- to 16-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)
1 recipe Three-Herb Butter, softened
2 Tbs. kosher salt
2 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper
2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted
For the gravy:
2-1/2 oz. (5 Tbs.) unsalted butter
2-1/2 oz. (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
4 cups Three-Herb Turkey Broth or low-salt chicken broth
1-1/2 cups Pinot Noir
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two days ahead, prepare the brine:
Put all of the brine ingredients in a 5-gallon stockpot with a lid. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, cover the pot, and refrigerate the brine until cold, preferably overnight.
One day ahead: brine the turkey:
If already loose, trim the tail from the turkey. Otherwise, leave it attached. Remove and discard the giblets. Keep the neck and tail in the refrigerator. Rinse the turkey and put it in the pot with the brine. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours before roasting the turkey.
Prepare and roast the turkey:
Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey well, pat it dry, and set it in a large flameproof roasting pan. Gently slide your hand between the breast meat and skin to separate the skin so you can apply the herb butter. Slice the herb butter into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and distribute them evenly between the skin and breast meat, completely covering the breast. Maneuver a few pieces between the skin and legs, too. Next, with your hands on the outside of the turkey, massage the butter under the skin to distribute it evenly and break up the round pieces so the turkey won’t look polka-dotted when it’s done.
Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the salt and 1 Tbs. of the pepper in the cavity of the turkey. Tie the legs together. Fold the wings back and tuck the tips under the neck area. Flip the turkey onto its breast, pat the back dry, and brush with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle with some of the remaining salt and pepper. Flip the turkey over, pat dry again, brush all over with the remaining butter, and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Put the reserved neck and tail in the pan with the turkey. Cover the pan very tightly with foil and put in the oven, legs pointing to the back of the oven, if possible (the legs can handle the higher heat in the back better than the breast can). Roast undisturbed for 2 hours and then uncover carefully (watch out for escaping steam). Continue to roast, basting every 15 minutes with the drippings that have collected in the pan, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 170° to 175°F and the juices run clear when the thermometer is removed, 45 minutes to 1 hour more for a 15-lb. turkey.
Remove the turkey from the oven. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, move the turkey to a serving platter, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside. Discard the neck and tail; reserve the drippings in the roasting pan. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes while you make the gravy and heat the side dishes
Make the gravy:
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the flour and quickly whisk it into the butter until it’s completely incorporated. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux smells toasty and darkens slightly to a light caramel color (see image below), about 2 minutes. Watch carefully, as you don’t want it to get too dark. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Pour the reserved turkey drippings into a clear, heatproof container, preferably a fat separator cup. (Don’t rinse the roasting pan.) Let sit until the fat rises to the top, and then pour out 1 cup of the juices (or remove and discard the fat with a ladle and measure 1 cup of the juices). Combine the juices with the turkey or chicken broth.
Set the roasting pan on top of the stove over two burners on medium heat. Add the Pinot Noir and simmer, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to release any stuck-on bits, until the wine has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the broth mixture and simmer to meld the flavors, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the roux a little at a time until you have reached your desired thickness (you may not want to use it all). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a fine sieve and transfer to a serving vessel.
Make Ahead Tips
The brine should be prepared 2 days before the Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey should be brined the day before. The roux may be prepared on Thanksgiving day and left at room temperature; whisk to recombine before using.
I've tasted her baking before and I can attest that she's got good taste. So I can only assume that this is good too!
Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Pinot Noir Gravy
by Ris Lacoste
To brine the turkey you need space for a 5-gallon pot in your refrigerator. If you have neither the room nor the pot, you can cook the brine in a smaller pan and proceed with one of our alternative brining methods.
Serves twelve, with leftovers.
For the brine:
2-1/2 gallons water
2-1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup maple syrup
24 bay leaves
24 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup whole black peppercorns
2 small bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 4 oz.)
1 small bunch fresh sage (about 1 oz.)
6 medium sprigs fresh rosemary
Zest and juice of 4 large lemons (remove the zest in long strips with a vegetable peeler)
For the turkey:
14- to 16-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)
1 recipe Three-Herb Butter, softened
2 Tbs. kosher salt
2 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper
2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted
For the gravy:
2-1/2 oz. (5 Tbs.) unsalted butter
2-1/2 oz. (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
4 cups Three-Herb Turkey Broth or low-salt chicken broth
1-1/2 cups Pinot Noir
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two days ahead, prepare the brine:
Put all of the brine ingredients in a 5-gallon stockpot with a lid. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, cover the pot, and refrigerate the brine until cold, preferably overnight.
One day ahead: brine the turkey:
If already loose, trim the tail from the turkey. Otherwise, leave it attached. Remove and discard the giblets. Keep the neck and tail in the refrigerator. Rinse the turkey and put it in the pot with the brine. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours before roasting the turkey.
Prepare and roast the turkey:
Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey well, pat it dry, and set it in a large flameproof roasting pan. Gently slide your hand between the breast meat and skin to separate the skin so you can apply the herb butter. Slice the herb butter into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and distribute them evenly between the skin and breast meat, completely covering the breast. Maneuver a few pieces between the skin and legs, too. Next, with your hands on the outside of the turkey, massage the butter under the skin to distribute it evenly and break up the round pieces so the turkey won’t look polka-dotted when it’s done.
Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the salt and 1 Tbs. of the pepper in the cavity of the turkey. Tie the legs together. Fold the wings back and tuck the tips under the neck area. Flip the turkey onto its breast, pat the back dry, and brush with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle with some of the remaining salt and pepper. Flip the turkey over, pat dry again, brush all over with the remaining butter, and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Put the reserved neck and tail in the pan with the turkey. Cover the pan very tightly with foil and put in the oven, legs pointing to the back of the oven, if possible (the legs can handle the higher heat in the back better than the breast can). Roast undisturbed for 2 hours and then uncover carefully (watch out for escaping steam). Continue to roast, basting every 15 minutes with the drippings that have collected in the pan, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 170° to 175°F and the juices run clear when the thermometer is removed, 45 minutes to 1 hour more for a 15-lb. turkey.
Remove the turkey from the oven. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, move the turkey to a serving platter, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside. Discard the neck and tail; reserve the drippings in the roasting pan. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes while you make the gravy and heat the side dishes
Make the gravy:
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the flour and quickly whisk it into the butter until it’s completely incorporated. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux smells toasty and darkens slightly to a light caramel color (see image below), about 2 minutes. Watch carefully, as you don’t want it to get too dark. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Pour the reserved turkey drippings into a clear, heatproof container, preferably a fat separator cup. (Don’t rinse the roasting pan.) Let sit until the fat rises to the top, and then pour out 1 cup of the juices (or remove and discard the fat with a ladle and measure 1 cup of the juices). Combine the juices with the turkey or chicken broth.
Set the roasting pan on top of the stove over two burners on medium heat. Add the Pinot Noir and simmer, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to release any stuck-on bits, until the wine has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the broth mixture and simmer to meld the flavors, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the roux a little at a time until you have reached your desired thickness (you may not want to use it all). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a fine sieve and transfer to a serving vessel.
Make Ahead Tips
The brine should be prepared 2 days before the Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey should be brined the day before. The roux may be prepared on Thanksgiving day and left at room temperature; whisk to recombine before using.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sour Cream Banana Bread
I *LOVE* sour cream. And I love moist banana bread. So what better than to combine the two? I did some research on the net and it appears that sour cream is the secret to a good, moist banana bread. so here goes...
Sour Cream Banana Bread
SERVES 12 , 1 loaf (change servings and units)
Ingredients
* 1/2 cup margarine or butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 1/2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup mashed banana
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts (omit if you don't like nuts)
* 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
1. Grease 1 large loaf pan.
2. Cream margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
3. Add dry ingredients, then bananas, nuts and sour cream.
4. Mix well.
5. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour.
Update May 2, 2009: Nica and the folks at work love this recipe (or at least I think they do since they eat it all up). However Flo and Jen have both tried the recipe with unfavourable results. Flo says her bread doesn't rise and Jen says it seemed undercooked. We think it might be due to the fact that I use my Kitchenaid mixer, whereas Jen is hand mixing. Will keep an eye on this... so far it's *my* favourite recipe!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Manny's Heavenly Hash
Manu, a colleague at work, is always bringing in delicious lunches. They're usually leftovers from his dinner the night before and amazingly (yes, I'm being sexist here), he makes them even though he's married. Yes, the husband cooks! In fact, he's usually the one to make dinners.Here's a recipe he gave me for hashbrowns. His said his aunt gave him the recipe and whenever he takes it to potlucks, it's always the first to go:
1 kg bag of hashbrowns
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup butter2 cups cheddar cheese
1/2 grated onion
salt and pepper to taste
dash of hot sauce (optional)
Mix it all up in a casserole dish, cook for an hour and a half at 350 degrees. I think it's a heart attack waiting to happen but it's darn good.
Update December 22, 2012:
Woke up this morning and had a craving for something with potatoes and sour cream for breakfast. I thought of this recipe had sour cream in it too! Apparently not. So I bastardized the recipe. Instead of a bag of hashbrowns, I actually used real potatoes (whoaaaa, crazy eh?) and used my new food processor to grate them. BTW, I LOVE my food processor. How did I live without one? I only added one can of cream of mushroom soup, used a whole onion (because mmmm onions!) and tossed in about 1/2 cup of sour cream that was leftover from dinner. I also tossed in some garlic and herb seasoning because I love it and I was too lazy to peel and mince real garlic. No hot sauce since I wanted it to be toddler-friendly. Waiting for it to come out of the oven now...
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