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410 FOOD AND WINE RECIPES AND PAIRINGS COURTESY OF STONE RIDGE WINE AND SPIRITS |
Red Pepper Rouille and Shrimp Toasts - Appetizer
2 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1/2 cup diced drained roasted red bell pepper from jar, patted dry
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
24 uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
12 4x1/2-inch diagonal slices sourdough baguette
Drained capers
Preheat oven to 425°F. Finely chop garlic cloves with cayenne pepper and saffron in mini processor. Add roasted red pepper and vinegar to processor; blend until almost smooth. Blend in mayonnaise. Season rouille to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer 1/3 cup rouille to medium bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Arrange sourdough baguette slices on baking sheet. Spread each slice with rouille. Bake until bottoms of toasts are crisp and rouille is darker in color, about 10 minutes.
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, spreading in single layer. Cook until just browned and opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Arrange toasts on plate. Place 2 shrimp on each toast; sprinkle toasts with capers.
Pairing:Pinot Noir |
Breakfast Souffles with Sauteed Pears - Brunch
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup sugar
4 Anjou pears, peeled, cored, sliced
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of cream of tartar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter six 2/3-cup soufflé dishes or custard cups. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in 6 tablespoons sugar. Add pears and sauté until tender and golden, about 5 minutes. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, egg yolks and vanilla in large bowl until light and fluffy. Sift flour and cornstarch into cream cheese mixture. Stir just until blended (do not overmix).
Beat egg whites in another large bowl until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat until firm peaks form. Add remaining 1/3 cup sugar; beat egg whites until glossy. Stir 1 cup of egg whites into cream cheese mixture to lighten. Using rubber spatula, gently fold in remaining whites. Divide among prepared dishes.
Bake soufflés until just set and slightly brown on top, about 25 minutes. Rewarm pears over medium-low heat. Remove soufflés from oven. Run tip of small knife around sides of soufflés to loosen. Using oven mitts for protection, turn soufflés out onto plates. Serve warm with sautéed pears.
Pairing:Mimosa |
Brandied-Peach Pork Chops - Dinner
4 (1-inch-thick) loin pork chops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon brandy, divided
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peaches, thawed
1/3 cup peach preserves
Pat pork chops dry, then sprinkle on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper (total).
Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then cook pork chops, turning once, until browned and just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes total. Transfer to a platter and keep warm, loosely covered with foil. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet.
Heat butter in skillet over medium heat until foam subsides, then cook shallots with thyme, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden-brown, about 5 minutes.
Add 1/4 cup brandy to skillet and carefully ignite with a kitchen match (use caution; flames will shoot up), then cook over medium heat, scraping bottom of skillet to loosen brown bits. When flames subside, add peaches, preserves, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and cook, covered, until peaches are tender and juicy, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining tablespoon brandy, any meat juices from platter, and salt and pepper to taste, then spoon sauce over chops.
Pairing:Petite Sirah or Zinfandel |
Filet de Boeuf à la Bordelaise - Dinner
3 lb (3- to 4-inch-long) beef marrowbones (about 6 bones), both ends of marrow exposed
For sauce
2 cups dry red wine (preferably Bordeaux)
1/3 cup finely chopped shallot
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1 small carrot, finely chopped
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf (not California)
10 black peppercorns, cracked
2 cups veal stock
4 teaspoons arrowroot
1 tablespoon Madeira
1/4 teaspoon salt
For beef
1 (2 3/4- to 3-lb) trimmed and tied beef tenderloin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For poaching marrow
1 cup beef broth
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish: watercress sprigs
Prepare marrow:
Rinse marrow bones and soak in warm water to cover 10 minutes. Press on 1 bone with your thumb at end of bone with smaller opening, pushing marrow out other end. Discard bone and repeat with remaining bones. Cut marrow crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Cover marrow with cold water in a bowl and chill, changing water twice, 24 hours.
Make sauce:
Boil wine, shallot, mushrooms, carrot, thyme, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a 3-quart heavy saucepan until reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes. Add veal stock and return to a boil. Pour through a fine sieve into a 2-quart heavy saucepan, pressing on and discarding solids. Return sauce to a boil. Stir together arrowroot and Madeira and whisk into sauce. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes, then stir in salt and season with pepper.
Roast beef:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Pat beef dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil and butter in a small flameproof roasting pan over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then brown beef well on all sides, about 10 minutes. Put roasting pan with beef in middle of oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted diagonally 2 inches into center registers 130°F for medium-rare, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Poach marrow while beef stands:
Bring broth, water, and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan. Drain marrow and transfer with a slotted spoon to saucepan. Poach at a bare simmer 8 minutes.
Bring sauce to a simmer and add marrow using slotted spoon.
Pour some sauce over sliced beef and serve remainder on side. If desired, arrange marrow rounds between beef slices with slotted spoon.
Cooks' note:
" Sauce (before adding marrow) can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered.
Pairing:Cabernet, Bordeaux or Syrah |
Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Fontina, Artichokes, and Sun-dried Tomatoes - Dinner
1 12-ounce jar marinated artichokes, drained, coarsely chopped
1 cup grated Fontina cheese
1/2 cup (packed) drained, coarsely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil
4 5-ounce skinless boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix artichokes, cheese, tomatoes, and basil in medium bowl. Using small sharp knife and working with 1 chicken breast at a time, cut 2-inch-long slit horizontally into 1 side of chicken breast. Move knife back and forth in slit to form pocket. Divide 1 cup cheese mixture among chicken pockets (reserve remainder for frittata). Press edges to seal. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in heavy large ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add chicken; cook 2 minutes. Turn chicken over; transfer skillet to oven. Bake until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Pairing:Pinot Noir or Dolcetto |
Multi-grain Pasta with Sicilian Salsa - Dinner
1/2 14.5-ounce package multi-grain spaghetti
(the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen used Barilla Plus) or whole wheat pasta
3/4 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons drained capers
3 anchovy fillets
3 garlic cloves, chopped, divided
6 cups thinly sliced savoy cabbage
1/2 12-ounce bag frozen haricots verts (slender green beans), thawed
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, puree parsley, 4 tablespoons oil, capers, anchovies, and 1/3 of chopped garlic in mini processor.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cabbage; sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add haricots verts and remaining garlic; toss 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup cheese, pasta, and 2/3 cup pasta cooking liquid. Toss until sauce coats pasta, adding more pasta cooking liquid if dry, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing remaining 3/4 cup cheese separately.
Pairing:Orvietto, Big Sauvignon Blanc (probably California) |
Broiled Shrimp Appetizer - Appetizer
20 large shrimp
1 cup olive oil
juice of 3 lemons
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
3 tablespoons of fresh or dried tarragon
With sharp scissors cut down the back of each shrimp shell and remove the black vein but do not remove the shell. Wash the shrimp thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Over them pour olive oil, the lemon juice, soy sauce, parsley and tarragon. Let the shrimp stand in this mixture for 2 hours, tossing them around now and then so that they will be equally marinated.
When you are ready to cook them, arrange them in basket grills and cook over hot coals for 5 to 6 minutes, turning twice. They should be tender and moist with lightly charred shells. Have finger bowls and pass plenty of paper napkins.
Pairing:Chardonnay or Viognier |
Caviar and Blinis - Appetizer
1 cup buckwheat pancake mix
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil
2/3 cup milk (any fat content) or water
Black caviar (our favorite is paddlefish)
Crème fraîche
Chives, snipped
Smoked salmon (optional)
Minced red onion (optional)
1. Combine the pancake mix with the salt, egg, butter or oil, and milk or water.
2. Lightly brush another tablespoon of melted butter onto a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. When the skillet is hot, spoon the batter into it a tablespoon at a time.
4. Cook the blinis until tiny bubbles appear, about 1 minute, then flip them and fry until golden brown on each side.
5. Transfer the blinis to a platter and serve warm with the caviar, crème fraîche, chives, and smoked salmon and onion (if desired).
Pairing:Champagne or White Burgundy (Chardonnay) |
Pork and Chive Dumplings - Appetizer
For dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
For filling
2 teaspoons dried shrimp
2 taspoons Chinese rice wine
6 ounces cabbage, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound ground pork
1 bunch golden or green garlic chives, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
2 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch
For frying
4 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For dipping sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha (Southeast Asian chile sauce)
1 scallion thinly sliced on the diagonal
Make dough
In large bowl, combine flour, salt, and 1 cup boiling water. Using wooden spoon, mix until dough forms shaggy ball, then transfer to lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and shiny, 6 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, mix and knead using electric mixer fitted with dough hook; kneading time will be shorter.) Wrap lightly in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature 20 minutes.
While dough rests, make filling
In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Using hands, gently knead mixture in bowl until just combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Roll out wrappers
Line large baking sheet with paper towels and dust lightly with flour. Divide dough into 3 even pieces. On lightly floured surface, using palms of hands, roll each piece into 3/4-inch-diameter log. Using floured knife, cut each log into 1-inch-long sections.
Pinch 1 dough section out into circle, then roll out on floured surface using floured rolling pin to 4-inch-diameter round. Transfer round to baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough sections, stacking rounds in layers on floured paper towels.
Fill and pleat dumplings
Line second large baking sheet with paper towels and dust lightly with flour. Hold 1 wrapper in palm of hand. Using fingertip dippsed in water, gently wet around edge of wrapper. Place 1 heaping tablespoon filling in center of wrapper, then fold wrapper in half without sealing edges, cupping half-moon (open side-up) between thumb and fingers and gently tamping down filling with other hand to keep edge of wrapper free of filling.
Using thumb and forefinger of left hand, begin pinching edges of wrapper together while pushing 1 edge into tiny pleats with thumb of right hand. Continue pleating and pinching across entire semicircle until wrapper is sealed (unpleated side will automatically curve). Set dumpling, sealed edge up, on baking sheet and repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
To steam dumplings
In large saucepan with tight-fitting lid, bring 1 1/2 inches water to boil. Lightly oil metal steamer (if using bamboo, line with cabbage leaves to prevent sticking) and set in pan. Arrange dumplings, sealed edges up, on steamer, cover, and steam until filling is firm and wrappers are slightly translucent.
To pan-fry dumplings
In large lidded nonstick sauté pan over moderately high heat, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil until hot but not smoking. Add 13 to 14 dumplings, pleated sides up and sides not touching, and immediately pour in enough cold water to come halfway up sides of dumplings (use care; oil may splatter). Cover and cook until liquid is evaporated and bottoms of dumplings are crisp and golden, about 10 minutes. (Use spatula to loosen and lift edges to check bottoms; replace lid and continue cooking if necessary, checking after 1 to 2 minutes.) Transfer dumplings, crisp sides up, to platter and keep warm. Repeat with remaining 2 batches of dumplings.
While dumplings are cooking, make dipping sauce
In medium bowl, stir together all ingredients.
Serve dumplings warm with dipping sauce.
Pairing:Riesling or Gewürztraminer |
Cheese Straws - Appetizer
1/4 pound coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
1/2 teaspoon salt
Rounded 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Preheat oven to 350°F with racks in upper and lower thirds.
Pulse cheese, flour, butter, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk and pulse until dough forms a ball.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12- by 10-inch rectangle (1/8 inch thick). Cut dough with a lightly floured pizza wheel or lightly floured sharp knife into 1/3-inch-wide strips. Carefully transfer to 2 ungreased baking sheets, arranging strips 1/4 inch apart. (If strips tear, pinch back together.)
Bake, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until pale golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely on baking sheets on racks, about 15 minutes.
Cooks' note: Cheese straws can be made 2 days ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Pairing:Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Balnc |
Scallops with Cauliflower, Dried Cherries, and Capers - Appetizer
5 cups small cauliflower florets
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 9-ounce package fresh spinach leaves
1 large shallot, finely chopped, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 large sea scallops, side muscle removed
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
6 large sage leaves, sliced thinly
3 tablespoons dried tart cherries
2 tablespoons drained capers
Cook cauliflower florets in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and transfer cauliflower to bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add spinach and toss until just wilted but still bright green, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to sieve set over large bowl and drain well. Reserve pot. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in reserved pot. Add half of shallot; saute 1 minute. Sprinkle cauliflower with cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add to pot and toss to coat. Add spinach and toss until heated through, about 3 minutes. Divide vegetables among 6 plates.
Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in medium skillet over high heat. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Add to skillet; sear until just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Place 1 scallop on each plate. Melt butter in same skillet. Add half of shallot and last 3 ingredients. Cook until butter starts to brown, about 4 minutes. Spoon over scallops and serve.
Pairing:Bright fruit and honey flavors |
Corn and Crab Chowder - Appetizer
1 16-ounce bag frozen petite white corn (do not thaw), divided
1 cup low-fat (1%) milk
1 8-ounce bottle clam juice
4 tablespoons sliced green onions, divided
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger, divided
4 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
4 ounces cooked crabmeat, flaked
Reserve 1/4 cup corn. Bring remaining corn and milk to boil in medium saucepan. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Puree mixture in blender. Add clam juice, 3 tablespoons green onions, and 1 teaspoon ginger; puree again until almost smooth. Return puree to saucepan; bring to simmer. Mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Melt butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add reserved 1/4 cup corn; sauté 1 minute. Add crab, 1 tablespoon green onions, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 3 teaspoons lemon juice; stir just until warm. Season with salt and pepper. Divide soup among bowls; mound crab mixture in center.
Pairing:Chardonnay |
Chili Chicken Wings - Appetizer
For the sauce:
1 1/2 cups rice or cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup ketchup
6 tablespoons Chinese plum sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 tablespoons (or to taste) finely chopped fresh red, jalapeño or serrano chili, with seeds
3 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
30 chicken wings
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish
1. Prepare the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly to blend the flavors, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Puree in a food processor until nearly smooth. (Makes 3 cups.) Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
3. Using a sharp knife, separate the chicken wings at the joint. Set aside.
4. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and toss well with 1 1/2 cups of the sauce. Lay the chicken wings in a single layer on 2 or 3 baking sheets (do not overcrowd them). Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, basting once or twice with additional sauce. Place the wings on a platter, sprinkle with cilantro and serve.
Pairing:Grenache or Zinfandel |
Crostini with White Beans and Basil-Marinated Shrimp - Appetizer
1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
24 large cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
8 (1-inch-thick) slices ciabatta (from 1 large loaf)
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped (from 2 sprigs)
1/2 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 ounces arugula, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups loosely packed)
2 teaspoons chile-garlic sauce
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In blender, pulse basil, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Transfer to small bowl, add shrimp, and toss to combine. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
Brush ciabatta slices on both sides with oil (about 1/4 cup total) and sprinkle with salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper total). Arrange in single layer on rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
In heavy medium saucepan over moderately high heat, heat 1/4 cup oil until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and rosemary and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes. Add stock and beans and bring to boil, then reduce heat to moderate and simmer, uncovered, until liquid is reduced by 1/3, about 2 minutes. Transfer to blender and purée until smooth. With motor running, add 2 tablespoons oil and blend until incorporated. Blend in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set purée aside.
In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Transfer arugula to medium bowl, drizzle with olive oillemon juice mixture, and toss to combine.
Spread about 2 tablespoons white bean mixture on each bread slice, then top each with 1/2 cup arugula and 6 shrimp halves. Drizzle 1/4 teaspoon chile-garlic sauce over each slice and serve immediately.
Pairing:Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre or Dry Rose |
Smoked Salmon Tarama with Pita Chips - Appetizer
2 2/3 cups 3/4-inch cubes crustless country-style bread
1 cup whole milk
6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
1/3 cup chopped shallots
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
3 garlic cloves
5 tablespoons olive oil plus more for frying pita
1/2 cup tarama (pale orange carp roe)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill plus more for garnish
4 7- to 8-inch pita breads, each cut into 8 triangles
1 2-ounce jar salmon caviar
Combine bread and milk in medium bowl. Let soak 5 minutes, tossing to moisten. Squeeze bread to release milk; reserve milk. Place bread in processor. Add next 4 ingredients; blend until smooth. With machine running, gradually add 5 tablespoons olive oil; transfer to medium bowl. Stir in tarama, 2 tablespoons dill, and enough reserved milk by tablespoonfuls to reach spreadable consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Pour enough olive oil into large skillet to cover bottom. Heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Add pita triangles and cook until light brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels and drain.
Place bowl of salmon tarama in center of platter. Garnish with salmon caviar and dill. Surround with pita chips and serve. more info Tarama is sold at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Greek markets.
Pairing:Chardonnay |
Wild Mushroom Ragout on Crispy Polenta - Hors d'Oeuvre
Polenta:
2 cups whole milk
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)*
1/2 cup (packed) coarsely grated Comté cheese
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
Mushroom Ragout:
3 tablespoons butter, divided
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms (such as oyster, crimini, and stemmed shiitake), thickly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup low-salt chicken broth
1/3 cup crème fraîche or whipping cream
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
1/3 cup (packed) coarsely grated Comté cheese
For polenta:
Generously butter 13x9x1- inch baking sheet. Bring milk, broth, and bay leaf to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove saucepan from heat; cover and let steep 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Discard bay leaf. Bring liquid to boil. Gradually add polenta, whisking constantly until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until polenta is very thick, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Stir in Comté cheese and butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer polenta to prepared 13x9x1-inch baking sheet. Using wet hands, press polenta evenly over sheet to edges. Chill until firm, at least 3 hours. Cut polenta into 20 squares. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
For mushroom ragout:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons oil in large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add all mushrooms and sauté until tender and browned, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add shallots and balsamic vinegar; sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Season lightly to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
Rewarm mushrooms in large skillet over medium-high heat until heated through. Add broth and simmer 1 minute. Stir in crème fraîche and half of parsley. Season mushroom ragout to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 300°F. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add polenta squares to skillet and cook until browned, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in oven while cooking remaining polenta squares.
Arrange 2 polenta squares on each plate. Top each with warm mushroom ragout; sprinkle with grated Comté cheese and remaining parsley and serve.
*Polenta can be found at some supermarkets, as well as at natural foods stores and Italian markets. If polenta is unavailable, substitute an equal amount of regular yellow cornmeal and cook it about half as long.
MORE INFO: Comté is a semi-firm, Gruyère-style cow's-milk cheese made primarily in France's Franche-Comté region. It adds great flavor to this recipe and would also be delicious on a cheese platter. Comté is available at some supermarkets, cheese shops, and specialty foods stores.
Pairing:Chiant or Sangiovese based wine |
Savory Parmesan Shortbread Rounds - Hors d'Oeuvre
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 small garlic clove, minced
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix flour, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic, and cayenne pepper in processor. Add butter and, using on/off turns, process until dough begins to come together. Gather dough into ball. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into 12-inch log, and cut each log into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into ball. Arrange dough balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 1/2 inches apart. Press each ball into 2-inch-diameter round. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over.
Bake shortbread rounds until tops are dry and bottoms are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer shortbread rounds to rack and cool completely. DO AHEAD: Shortbread rounds can be made 1 week ahead. Store rounds in airtight container at room temperature, or freeze up to 1 month.
Pairing:Prosecco or Spanish Cava |
Potato Latkes with Watercress, Smoked Salmon, and Avocado Salad - Appetizer
Latkes:
2 cups finely chopped onions, divided
1 large egg
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Salad:
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
2 large bunches watercress, thick stems trimmed (about 8 cups)
1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
4 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into strips
For latkes:
Line colander with kitchen towel. Stir 1 1/2 cups onions, egg, salt, and pepper in large bowl. Place remaining 1/2 cup onions in processor; add potatoes. Blend until potatoes are very finely chopped and some of mixture is pureed; transfer to prepared colander. Wrap towel around potatoes, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Scrape into bowl with egg mixture. Stir in all purpose flour and baking powder.
Heat 4 tablespoons vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop potato mixture by scant 1/4 cupfuls into skillet; flatten each latke to 2 1/2-inch round with metal spatula. Reduce heat to medium. Cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to large rimmed baking sheet. Repeat, adding more oil to skillet as needed. DO AHEAD: Latkes can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake latkes until crisp and deep brown, about 6 minutes per side.
For salad:
Whisk oil, vinegar, and dry mustard in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Combine watercress, avocado, and salmon in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat.
Arrange 2 latkes on each plate. Mound salad alongside.
TEST-KITCHEN TIP: The secret to latkes that aren't greasy? Squeeze the grated potatoes to remove as much moisture as possible. Then squeeze again.
Pairing:South African Pinotage or Shiraz |
Crostini with Beef Tartare and White Truffle Oil - Hors d'Oeuvre
2 anchovy fillets
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon drained, chopped capers
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pound beef tenderloin, freshly ground
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
8 slices Rick's Basic Crostini
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
1. In a chilled mixing bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic with a fork to make a paste. Add the shallots and capers and mash them into the paste. Add the egg and whisk it into the paste with the fork. Whisk in the mustard and orange zest.
2. In a slow, steady stream, add the olive oil, whisking constantly until incorporated. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add the beef and mix well with a wooden spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Mound some tartare in the center of each crostini. Garnish with parsley and drizzle with truffle oil.
Pairing:Chardonnay or Viognier |
Fried Egg and Sausage Ciabatta Breakfast Pizzas - Brunch
1 loaf ciabatta bread (about 1 pound)
1 cup chopped green onions
8 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces sliced hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese
1 pound spicy or sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
8 large eggs
Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut bread horizontally in half. Place bread halves, cut side up, on separate baking sheets. Mix onions and 6 tablespoons oil in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons onion oil and spread remaining onion oil over bread. Top with cheese.
Sauté Italian sausages in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, breaking up with spoon, about 7 minutes. Divide sausage among bread halves. Bake pizzas until cheese melts and bread begins to crisp, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in each of 2 large skillets over medium-high heat. Crack 4 eggs into each skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let eggs stand in skillets while pizzas bake.
Arrange 4 eggs atop each pizza. Spoon reserved onion oil over eggs. Cut each pizza between eggs into 4 pieces.
TEST-KITCHEN TIP: Having brunch? Assemble and chill the pizzas one day ahead. Then bake and top with fried eggs at mealtime.
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Lowcountry Breakfast Shrimp - Brunch
3/4 stick unsalted butter
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallion
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 to 1 cup water
Heat butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until foaming, then cook onions with scallion, garlic, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer gently, stirring, until shrimp are just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes (shrimp should be saucy; add more water if necessary). Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Pairing:Champagne |
Breakfast Risotto - Brunch
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, divided
4 hot Italian sausages, casings removed
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 small bay leaves
1 cup arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
Pinch of saffron threads
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausages; break up with fork. Add next 2 ingredients. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in rice. Add wine; boil until liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Add 3 cups broth and saffron; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until risotto is tender, adding more broth if dry, about 18 minutes. Discard bay leaves; mix in 1/3 cup cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Pass cheese alongside.
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Chorizo and Scrambled Egg Breakfast Tacos - Brunch
4 corn tortillas
1 cup grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
7 ounces fresh chorizo sausage, casing removed if necessary
4 green onions, sliced
Sour cream (optional)
Hot sauce or salsa (optional)
Brush large nonstick skillet with olive or vegetable oil. Char tortillas over gas flame or directly on electric burner until blackened in spots, turning with tongs. Arrange tortillas in single layer in skillet. Sprinkle each tortilla with 1/4 cup grated cheese and set aside.
Whisk eggs and 2 tablespoons cilantro in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté chorizo sausage in heavy medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Add green onions and sauté 2 minutes. Add egg mixture and stir until very softly set, about 1 minute. Remove egg mixture from heat.
Cook tortillas in skillet over high heat until beginning to crisp on bottom, but still soft and pliable, about 1 minute. Divide egg mixture among tortillas and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro. Fold each tortilla in half. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
One serving contains the following:
824.14 Calories (kcal)
63.1% Calories from Fat
57.77 (g) Fat, 24.29 (g) Saturated Fat
544.66 (mg) Cholesterol, 26.72 (g)
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Aurelia's Breakfast Fruit Salad - Brunch
1 (3- to 4-lb) pineapple cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 lb firm-ripe mangoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 cups fresh orange juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
2 1/2 oz crumbled queso añejado
Stir together pineapple, mango, and orange juice in a large bowl. Divide among serving bowls, then sprinkle with cayenne and cheese.
Pairing:Mimosa |
Cowboy Christmas Breakfast - Brunch
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for greasing baking dish
1 (1-lb) package bulk breakfast sausage (not links)
1 (15-inch-long) loaf Italian bread (about 4 inches wide)
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 dozen large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large bunch scallions, chopped (1 1/4 cups)
1/4 lb sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 cup)
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Generously butter bottom and sides of a 13- by 9-inch baking dish.
Cook sausage in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring frequently and breaking up any large lumps with a fork, until browned, about 10 minutes. Pour off fat from skillet, then cool sausage to room temperature.
Cut half of bread into 1-inch-thick slices and reserve remaining half for another use. Pulse butter (1/2 stick) and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on both sides of each bread slice, arranging bread in 1 layer in bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle sausage on top.
Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until frothy, then whisk in scallions and half of cheese. Pour egg mixture over sausage (bread will float to the top), pushing down on bread with a spatula to help it absorb liquid. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake, tightly covered with a large sheet of buttered foil (buttered side down), 30 minutes, then carefully remove foil and bake until top is slightly puffed and custard is set in center, about 20 minutes more. Transfer baking dish to a rack and let stand 10 minutes. Cut into 12 squares and serve immediately.
Cooks' note:
Dish can be assembled (but not baked) 12 hours ahead and chilled, tightly covered with buttered foil. Bake as directed above.
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Smoked Salmon and Potato Breakfast Casserole - Brunch
2 cups (lightly packed) 1/2-inch cubes French baguette with crusts
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1/2 pound hot-smoked salmon fillets, skinned, flaked into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
4 large eggs
1 cup half and half
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Additional sour cream
Capers
Fresh dill sprigs
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange bread on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until pale golden, about 5 minutes, then cool.
Butter 11x7-inch glass baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add potatoes. Stir to coat and arrange in single layer. Cover and cook until potatoes are almost tender, about 8 minutes. Uncover; increase heat to medium-high, and cook until potatoes are lightly browned and tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add shallots and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Gently mix in bread, salmon, chives, and minced dill. Transfer mixture to prepared dish.
Whisk eggs and next 5 ingredients in medium bowl to blend well. Pour custard over potato mixture in dish. Let stand 15 minutes, occasionally pressing bread into custard. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole, uncovered, until custard is set, about 30 minutes. Cut into squares and top with additional sour cream, capers, and dill sprigs; serve hot.
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Southwestern Breakfast Scramble - Brunch
1 cup purchased tomatillo salsa
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
2 5-inch-diameter corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 ounces pork chorizo sausage, casing removed
1/2 cup chopped red onion
12 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 cup grated white cheddar cheese
Sour cream
1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, sliced
Mix salsa and 1/4 cup cilantro in bowl. Set salsa mixture aside. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tortillas; sauté until brown, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer tortillas to plate. Add chorizo to skillet and sauté until cooked through, about 12 minutes. Add onion; sauté 1 minute. Return tortillas to skillet. Add eggs and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro and cook until eggs are softly set, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes. Mix in cheese. Transfer egg mixture to platter. Top with sour cream and avocado. Serve, passing salsa mixture.
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Sausage and Potato Breakfast Casserole - Brunch
1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
1 1-pound package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Cook sausage in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until brown, breaking into small pieces with back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Mix in flour, then milk. Cook until mixture thickens and comes to boil, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Arrange potatoes in prepared dish. Top with 1/3 of green onions, 1 cup cheese, 1/3 of green onions, sausage mixture and remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake casserole until potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and serve.
Pairing:Bloody Mary's |
Frozen Nougat and Chocolate Dessert - Dessert
6 ounces hard Italian nougat, torrone, with almonds
6 eggs
6 tablespoons sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate fragmented into small pieces
1 tablespoon dark rum
A 2-quart bowl or slightly larger
A pinch of salt
1. Use a sturdy chopping knife to cut the nougat into small pieces, then grind it to a granular consistency in the food processor.
2. Separate the eggs, keeping only four of the whites.
3. Pour the yolks into a mixing bowl, adding all the sugar. Whip them until they form a foamy mass.
4. In another bowl, preferably a chilled steel one, whip the cream until it is quite stiff.
5. Add the whipped cream, the chocolate bits, the rum, and 1 1/4 cup of the ground nougat to the beaten egg yolks, mixing well to distribute all the ingredients uniformly.
6. In a clean bowl, whip the four reserved egg whites together with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Fold them gently into the egg yolk, cream, chocolate, and nougat batter.
7. Sprinkle the remaining pulverized nougat on the inside of the 2-quart bowl and over it pour the dessert's batter. Pull a sheet of plastic film tightly over the bowl and place it in the freezer. It is ready to be served the following day, but it will keep, as I have done, a full week.
8. When ready to serve, take the bowl from the freezer and remove the plastic film. Choose a plate with a lip whose inner diameter fits comfortably over the opening of the bowl. Soak a dishtowel in very hot water and wrap it around the bowl. Slide the blade of a long, thin knife inside the bowl to loosen the dessert from its sides. Set the plate upside down over the bowl, hold the bowl and plate firmly together, and give them a good shake. You will feel the dessert come away from the bowl and drop onto the serving plate.
Pairing:Port or any Late Harvest Red |
Chocolate Kumquat Spring Rolls - Dessert
5 kumquats, cut into 1/4-inch slices and seeded, juices reserved
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon ( 4 1/2 ounces/127 grams) heavy whipping cream
1/8 teaspoon of salt
8 1/4 ounces (233 grams) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Thirty-six 5-inch square spring roll wrappers
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Canola, vegetable, or other neutral oil for deep-frying
1. Put the kumquat slices and their juices into a small saucepan, add the cream and salt, and warm over medium heat just until bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Remove from the heat.
2. Put the chocolate into the bowl of a food processor and pour the hot kumquat cream over it. Let sit for 2 minutes, then process until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny. Add the egg yolk, Grand Marnier, and butter and process to combine.
3. Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan and transfer to the freezer. Freeze, uncovered, until completely hard.
4. Unmold the chocolate bar and peel off the plastic wrap. Cut the bar lengthwise in half, then cut each half crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. You should have 36 chocolate bars.
5. Lightly brush the entire surface of a spring roll wrapper with a bit of the beaten egg. Turn the wrapper so that you see a diamond, and lay a chocolate bar across the end closest to you so that the ends of the bar meet the edges of the wrapper to form a triangle. Take the corner of the wrapper closest to you and wrap it around the chocolate, then roll the chocolate away from you one full rotation. Tightly fold the sides in toward the center, then continue to roll up to the end of the wrapper, making sure the end is tightly sealed. Set on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and chocolate. Freeze the spring rolls for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 days; take them out only when you are ready to fry them.
6. Fill a saucepan with oil to a depth of 2 inches and heat to 350°F. When the oil is ready (a tiny pinch of flour will sizzle), add a few spring rolls, taking care to not crowd the pan, and cook, turning occasionally and adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain 350°F, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and cook the remaining rolls. Serve warm.
Pairing:Tawny Port |
Peach and Amaretti Crisp - Dessert
The filling:
8 peaches (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices (8 cups)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
The topping:
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup crushed amaretti cookies (about 16 cookies)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup almonds, toasted
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
1. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below to catch drippings. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. To make the filling: Mix the peach slices with the granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Transfer the peaches to a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
3. To make the topping: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, the brown and granulated sugars, amaretti, and cinnamon until the amaretti are in very small bits. Add the almonds and pulse until the nuts are in small pieces.
4. Add the pieces of butter and pulse until the butter is finely broken up. Continue to pulse until the topping no longer looks sandy and is just beginning to hold together.
5. Distribute the amaretti topping evenly over the peaches and bake the crisp for 40 to 50 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and a knife inserted into the center pierces the fruit easily.
Serving: Serve warm with a cold pitcher of heavy cream or with vanilla ice cream.
Note: The amaretti topping can be made ahead and refrigerated in a sealed plastic bag for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 6 months. I like to keep a batch on hand, frozen and ready for a last-minute dessert.
Variation: For a berry crisp, toss 6 to 8 cups mixed berries (quartered strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries) with 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and a squirt of lemon juice. Cover with just enough topping to hide the fruit and freeze the rest.
Pairing:Muscato Di Asti |
Pear Crisps with Dried Sour Cherries - Dessert
1 cup dried sour cherries
Water or fruity red wine, such as a Zinfandel, to cover
8 ripe pears, (about 2 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced (5 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon coarsely ground almonds, toasted
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
1. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries with enough water or wine (or a combination) to cover them by 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then turn off the heat and let cool. Let the cherries soak overnight in the refrigerator, or for at least 8 hours, until they are plump and soft. Drain the cherries, reserving the juices.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pears, drained cherries, and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and toss well. Mix in 1/2 of the cherry soaking liquid, or whatever cherry soaking liquid is left plus enough water to make 1/2 cup. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, the flour, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly drizzle in the butter and stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly and all the flour is incorporated. Do not allow the mixture to come together in a ball. Break up any large crumbs with your fingers. The crumbs should be smaller than 1 inch in size (otherwise they won't cook all the way through).
4. Spoon the fruit into eight 8-ounce ramekins and place them on a baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the crumbs on top of the fruit. Bake the crisps until the filling is bubbling and the topping is browned, about 40 minutes. Serve hot or warm.
Pairing:Prosecco |
Maple Flan in a Walnut Crust - Dessert
Maple Flan
1 cup maple syrup, preferably grade B
3 1/2 cups heavy cream
7 large egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon light corn syrup
Whipped crème fraîche for serving, optional
Walnut Crust
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons almond flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1. To prepare the flan, place the maple syrup in a large, heavy saucepan. Set it over low heat and let simmer until the syrup is reduced by a quarter (to 3/4 cup), 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Add the cream to the syrup and stir until mixture is smooth and comes back to a simmer.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Add a little of the hot maple cream into the eggs to warm them, whisking constantly to keep the yolks from curdling. Pour the mixture into the saucepan, whisking the cream constantly. Strain the mixture into a bowl, stir in the salt, and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 5 days.
4. Preheat oven to 300°F. Place 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the sugar and corn syrup. Raise the heat to high and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture becomes a dark amber caramel, 7 to 10 minutes. Immediately pour the caramel into an 8-inch round nonstick cake pan, tilting to make sure the sides are well coated. Work quickly so the caramel doesn't harden. If it does, rewarm it over low heat.
5. Pour the maple custard into the caramel-coated cake pan. Place it in a baking pan and carefully move it to the oven rack. Pour enough very hot water into the baking pan to reach two thirds of the way up the side of the cake pan. Cover the baking pan with foil and prick all over with a fork. Bake the flan for about 1 hour, then lift off a corner of the foil to vent the steam. Re-cover the pan and continue to bake until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 45 minutes longer. Remove the flan from the baking pan and transfer to a rack. Let cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. To prepare the walnut crust, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the nuts out on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven, stirring once or twice, until they smell nutty, about 10 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
7. Using a food processor, pulse the walnuts until they are finely ground, then reserve. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar until combined, about 1 minute. Beat in the egg. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, almond flour, walnuts, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 2 batches, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions. Mix until the dough just holds together. Scrape the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a disk. Wrap it and chill for at least 1 hour, until firm.
8. Preheat oven to 325°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/8 inch thick into a 12-inch round. Fit the dough into a 9-inch quiche pan. Trim away any excess dough, then use a fork to prick the crust all over. Bake the tart crust until it's pale golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool. (The tart shell can be made 8 hours ahead and kept at room temperature or frozen.)
9. To unmold the flan, run a small knife around the sides of the cake pan, then invert the flan into the baked tart shell. Serve with whipped crème fraîche, if desired.
Variation
For individual flans without crust, divide the caramel and then the maple custard evenly among eight 4-ounce glass or ceramic ramekins. Bake as directed for 1 hour and 30 minutes, venting the steam after 45 minutes.
Pairing:Muscato Di Asti |
Artichokes, capers, olives, lemon zest, and Italian tuna on pasta shells - Dinner
8 quarts water
3 tablespoons salt
1 pound small pasta shells
Salsa Cruda:
1 (6-ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained
1/4 cup drained and rinsed capers
1/2 cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 (6 1/2 ounce) cans imported Italian tuna in olive oil, drained
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
In a 10-quart pot, bring the water to a brisk boil. Add salt and stir in the pasta shells. When the water returns to a boil, begin timing and cook al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse. Transfer the shells to a large serving bowl. Stir in the reserved pasta water to keep the pasta from sticking to itself. Pasta continues to cook and absorb water even when it has been drained. Add in the salsa cruda ingredients and toss. Garnish with chopped parsley leaves.
Preparation time: 10 minutes; cooking time: 15 minutes
Pairing:Nero d'Avola from Sicily or Cannonau from Sardinia |
Grilled chicken and romaine with caper dressing - Dinner
3 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 tablespoons drained capers
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 pounds)
2 hearts of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise, core left intact
Shaved Manchego or Parmesan cheese
Preheat barbecue (medium-high heat). Puree vinegar and next 4 ingredients in small processor until almost smooth. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Combine chicken and 1/4 cup dressing in medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Place romaine, cut side up, on baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/4 cup dressing; turn to coat. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. Grill romaine until charred and slightly wilted on all sides, about 2 minutes.
Transfer 1 chicken breast and 1 romaine spear to each of 4 plates. Drizzle chicken with remaining dressing, sprinkle generously with cheese, and serve.
Pairing:If you prefer white Sauvignon Blanc if red Pinot Noir |
Cabbage and white bean soup with sausage - Dinner
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 ounces fully cooked chicken-apple sausages (about 4), halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage (about 1/2 small head)
3 leeks (white and pale green parts only), halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise (about 3 cups)
2 cups baby carrots, cut in half lengthwise, then halved crosswise
2 tablespoons tomato paste concentrate (from tube)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
8 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed, drained
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and sauté until brown around edges, about 5 minutes. Add cabbage; sauté 2 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to same pot and heat over medium heat. Add leeks and carrots and sauté until soft, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, parsley, and rosemary and stir 1 minute. Add broth, sausage-cabbage mixture, and beans and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead.
Pairing:Reisling or Gewurztraminer |
Black bean chili with crispy pork and poblano salsa - Dinner
Chili:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped (about 1 1/2 pounds Total)
12 garlic cloves, chopped
7 tablespoons New Mexico chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
14 cups (or more) water
1 1/2 pounds dried black beans, rinsed
2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo
Salsa:
6 fresh poblano chiles
1 cup finely chopped white onion
1 7-ounce can salsa verde
Crema:
2 cups sour cream
2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo
Pork:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds country-style boneless pork ribs, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
11/2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
4 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted
Grated hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese
For chili:
Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add chili powder and ground cumin and stir 1 minute. Add 14 cups water, black beans, dried oregano, and grated orange peel. Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer until black beans are tender, about 2 hours. Add chipotle chiles and season chili to taste with salt. Simmer until black beans are creamy, mashing coarsely with potato masher to desired consistency, adding more water by 1/2 cupfuls if too thick, and stirring frequently, about 30 minutes longer. Season chili to taste with more salt. DO AHEAD: Chili can be made 3 days ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled.
For salsa:
Char poblano chiles over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Place in large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 20 minutes. Peel, seed, and chop chiles. Place chiles in medium bowl. Add onion and salsa verde. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
For crema:
Stir sour cream and minced chipotle chiles in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
For pork:
Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Sprinkle pork ribs with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add pork ribs to skillet and cook until browned, about 7 minutes per batch. Transfer pork ribs to medium bowl. Return all pork ribs and any juices to skillet. Add chicken broth, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until pork is tender, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer to another medium bowl.
Meanwhile, rewarm chili. Stir cilantro and cumin seeds into salsa.
Divide chili among bowls. Top with pork, salsa, chipotle crema, and cheese.
Ingredient tip: New Mexico chili powder can be found at specialty foods stores and at Latin markets. Canned chipotle chiles in adobo and fresh poblano chiles (sometimes called pasilla chiles) can be found at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.
Test-kitchen tip: This is a great party recipe because the beans actually taste even better if they're made a day or two ahead. (It gives the flavors a chance to truly meld.) Then all you'll really have to do on the day of the event is cook the pork and rewarm the beans.
Pairing:Zinfandel or California Pinot Noir |
Chicken fajitas with crunchy lime cabbage and avocado - Dinner
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus additional for griddle
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast halves,
cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch-thick strips
1 large red onion, halved, sliced lengthwise
3 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
6 to 8 fajita-size flour tortillas
1 avocado, halved, pitted, sliced
Whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, and chili powder in large bowl. Add chicken, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature or chill up to 4 hours.
Toss red cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, lime peel, and 3 tablespoons olive oil in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, place large griddle over 2 burners and heat over medium-high heat. Brush griddle with olive oil. Spread chicken on griddle and cook until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are browned, turning frequently with tongs, about 7 minutes Total.
Divide chicken among warm tortillas; top with cabbage mixture and avocado slices.
Pairing:Zinfandel or Cotes du Rhone |
Pasta with peas, cream, parsley, and mint - Dinner
1 16-ounce package large shell pasta or elbow pasta
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1 16-ounce package frozen petite peas (do not thaw)
2 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.
Meanwhile, bring cream to simmer in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peas and simmer just until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Stir in mint and 1/4 cup parsley. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat, adding pasta cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with remaining parsley. Serve, passing additional Parmesan alongside.
Pairing:Orvieto |
Fettuccine with sausage, sage, and crispy garlic - Dinner
3/4 pound fettuccine (preferably egg fettuccine, such as De Cecco)
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausages, casings removed
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper (optional)
1 cup grated Asiago cheese* (about 3 ounces)
Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and sauté until light golden, about 45 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer garlic to bowl.
Increase heat to medium-high; add sage to same skillet and stir until beginning to crisp, about 10 seconds. Add sausage and sauté until browned and crisp in spots, breaking up with fork, about 8 minutes.
Drain pasta; add pasta and remaining 1 tablespoon butter to skillet. Using tongs, toss pasta with sausage mixture. Add crushed red pepper, if desired; season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to large bowl. Top with crispy garlic and grated Asiago cheese.
*Available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets.
Pairing:Chianti or Sangiovese based wine |
Salmon with lemon-pepper sauce and watercress-herb salad - Dinner
1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel, divided
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
6 6-ounce salmon fillets
1 1/2 cups (lightly packed) watercress leaves and small sprigs
1/4 cup small fresh dill sprigs
1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
Fleur de sel*
6 lemon wedges
Whisk crème fraîche, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel in small bowl. Season with salt and generous amount of pepper.
Whisk honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, shallot, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel in 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Add salmon fillets and turn to coat. Cover and chill at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour, turning salmon fillets occasionally. Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Line large baking sheet with foil and brush with olive oil. Transfer salmon fillets, with some marinade still clinging, to rimmed baking sheet. Roast until salmon is just opaque in center, about 14 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss watercress leaves and sprigs, dill sprigs, tarragon leaves, remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in medium bowl. Season to taste with fleur de sel and pepper.
Place 1 salmon fillet on each of 6 plates. Top with watercress salad. Drizzle with lemon-pepper sauce and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve, passing additional sauce alongside.
*A type of sea salt; available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
Pairing:If you prefer white Sauvignon Blanc if red Pinot Noir |
Smoked salmon pizza - Dinner
8 ounces prepared pizza dough
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup Dill Cream
6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
1. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 10-inch round. Transfer dough to a rimless baking sheet; brush with olive oil. Scatter sliced onion over the top. Bake until crust is golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
3. Spread the Dill Cream over the top to within an inch of the edge. Arrange the salmon to cover the surface entirely. Use a pizza wheel to slice into 6 pieces.
Pairing:Nero d'Avola from Sicily or Cannonau from Sardinia |
Greek lamb burgers with spinach and red onion salad - Dinner
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons paprika
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/3 pounds ground lamb
4 hamburger buns or small ciabatta rolls, halved crosswise
1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 1/3 cups crumbled feta cheese
4 1/4-inch-thick red onion slices
1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Mix first 4 ingredients and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in medium bowl; mix in lamb. Shape into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Cook patties in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 4 minutes per side for medium.
Meanwhile, preheat broiler. Broil buns until golden, about 2 minutes. Top each bun bottom with burger. Toss spinach, feta, onion, vinegar, and 11/2 tablespoons oil in bowl. Place salad atop burgers. Cover with bun tops, pressing firmly to compact.
Pairing:Cabernet Franc |
Quick Coq Au Vin - Dinner
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 or 3 thick slices bacon, roughly chopped
1 (4-pound) chicken, cut into six pieces
1 handful flour, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
8 to 10 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, rinsed and halved (optional)
20 whole baby carrots, cut in half
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 large sweet onions, chopped, or 2 cups pearl onions
1 bottle red wine (white works, too)
1 cup chicken broth
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs thyme
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Transfer to a large plate.
2. Shake the chicken pieces with the seasoned flour in a paper or plastic bag.
3. Brown the chicken in the pot, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
4. Sauté the mushrooms (if using), carrots, garlic, and onions in the pot until they just begin to brown, 5 minutes.
5. Pour half the wine into the pan and cook over high heat for about 8 minutes.
6. Add the broth and the remaining wine. Bring to a boil and add the chicken, bacon, and herbs.
7. Return to a boil, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and thyme and serve.
Pairing:Burgundy or Pinot Noir |
Homemade Irish corned beef and vegetables - Dinner
Brine:
6 cups water
2 cups lager beer
11/2 cups coarse kosher salt
1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons Insta Cure no. 1* (optional)
1/4 cup pickling spices
1 6- to 8-pound flat-cut beef brisket, trimmed, with some fat remaining
Corned beef and vegetables:
1 12-ounce bottle Guinness stout or other stout or porter
4 bay leaves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 whole allspice
1 dried chile de árbol,** broken in half Cheesecloth
12 baby turnips, trimmed, or 3 medium turnips or rutabagas, peeled, quartered 8 unpeeled medium white-skinned or red-skinned potatoes (about 3 pounds)
6 medium carrots, peeled
4 medium onions, peeled, halved through root ends
2 medium parsnips, peeled, cut into 2-inch lengths
1 2-pound head of cabbage, quartered
For brine:
Pour 6 cups water and beer into large deep roasting pan. Add coarse salt; stir until dissolved. Add sugar; stir until dissolved. If desired, stir in Insta Cure No. 1. Mix in pickling spices. Pierce brisket all over with tip of small sharp knife. Submerge brisket in liquid, then top with heavy platter to weigh down. Cover and refrigerate 4 days.
Remove brisket from brine. Stir liquid to blend. Return brisket to brine; top with heavy platter. Cover; refrigerate 4 days. Remove brisket from brine. Rinse with cold running water. do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Wrap corned beef in plastic, cover with foil, and refrigerate.
For corned beef and vegetables:
Place corned beef in very large wide pot. Add stout and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Wrap cheesecloth around bay leaves, coriander seeds, allspice, and chile, enclosing completely, and tie with kitchen string to secure. Add spice bag to pot with beef; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until beef is tender, about 2 1/4 hours. Transfer beef to large baking sheet.
Add turnips and all remaining vegetables to liquid in pot; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and boil gently until all vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to baking sheet with beef. Return beef to pot and rewarm 5 minutes. Discard spice bag.
Cut beef against grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange beef and vegetables on platter. Serve with Horseradish Cream and Guinness Mustard.
*Insta Cure No. 1 is a mixture of sodium nitrate and salt that is used in cured and smoked sausages to prevent botulism. In this brine, its only purpose is to prevent the meat from turning gray, so you can certainly leave it out. You'll find Insta Cure No. 1 at sausagemaker.com.
**A thin, red, very hot three-inch-long chile; sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.
Pairing:Gewurztraminer or Riesling |
Mustard and coriander roasted potatoes - Side
1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed
Coarse kosher salt
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into
1 1/2- to 2-inch cubes
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 425°F. Bring vinegar and mustard seeds to boil in small saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer until almost dry, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Add Dijon mustard and coriander. Season with coarse salt and pepper. Place potatoes in large saucepan; add water to cover by 1 inch; sprinkle with coarse salt. Boil 3 minutes. Drain; return to pan. Cook over medium-high heat until dry, shaking pan occasionally, 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, drizzle 6 tablespoons oil over large rimmed baking sheet. Place sheet in oven 10 minutes to heat.
Add potatoes to mustard mixture; toss. Spread potatoes on hot baking sheet (oil may splatter). Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper. Roast 15 minutes. Turn potatoes; roast until browned and tender, about 15 minutes longer. Season with coarse salt and pepper and serve hot.
Pairing:Pair wine with entrée |
Sicilian-style potato gratin - Side
1 garlic clove, halved
Olive oil for brushing plus
4 tablespoons, divided
2 cups chopped onions
Coarse kosher salt
2 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, very thinly sliced
8 tablespoons (packed) grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
3 tablespoons drained capers
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
Preheat oven to 350°F. Rub 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with cut side of garlic clove. Brush dish with olive oil. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sprinkle with coarse salt, and sauté until soft and beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 13 minutes.
Arrange 1/3 of potatoes in even layer in prepared dish. Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper. Scatter half of onions over. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano and 1 tablespoon capers. Repeat layering with half of remaining potatoes, coarse salt and pepper, remaining onions, 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano, and 1 tablespoon capers. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Arrange remaining potato slices over. Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon capers. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour chicken broth over. Press down firmly on potatoes to compact gratin.
Cover gratin tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining 4 tablespoons Pecorino Romano. Bake gratin uncovered until cheese is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Let gratin stand 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Pairing:Pair wine with entrée |
Bouillabaisse, simplified - Dinner
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 large onion, peeled and sliced
1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 large pinch saffron, soaked in 2 tablespoons orange juice for 10 minutes (optional)
1 strip orange zest
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, in juice
6 cups seafood stock (sold at most fish markets) or clam juice
Some or all of the following seafood (ask your fish seller for enough to serve 4 to 6 people): halibut, cod, tilapia, or snapper (in large chunks); shell-on large shrimp or lump crabmeat; clams or mussels
1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and fennel and sauté until just brown, 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Add the saffron (if using), orange zest, tomatoes, and stock or clam juice.
3. Bring to a boil and cook until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is reduced by half, about 20 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add the fish (but not shellfish). Cook for about 2 minutes.
5. Add any clams, mussels, and shrimp. Simmer until the shells just begin to open, about 4 minutes more.
6. Add any crabmeat.
7. Cook until all shells have opened, the shrimp is pink and curled, and the fish flakes easily, about 2 minutes.
8. Serve from the pot, sprinkled with the parsley and topped with crusty bread and a dollop of rouille.
Pairing:If you prefer white a Spanish Alborino, if red Pinot Noir |
Potato soup with kale and chorizo - Dinner
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
8 ounces fully cooked smoked Spanish chorizo or hot Calabrese salami, casing removed if necessary, chopped
2 teaspoons smoked paprika*
1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
8 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds kale, stemmed, torn into small pieces (about 16 cups lightly packed)
3 cups 1/2-inch cubes rustic bread
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion; cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add chorizo and paprika; stir 1 minute. Add potatoes and broth. Increase heat and bring to boil. Add kale; stir until wilted and soup returns to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cool, then cover and chill. Rewarm before serving.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle croutons with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Divide soup among bowls. Top with croutons and serve.
*Sometimes labeled Pimentón Dulce or Pimentón de La Vera Dulce; available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores, and from tienda.com.
Pairing:Sauvignon Blanc or dry Rose |
Baked potato and carrot mash - Side
1/3 cup water
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, room temperature, divided
3 large russet potatoes (about 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 pounds total)
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup half and half, warmed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place carrots and 1/3 cup water in 8x8x2-inch baking dish. Dot carrots with 2 tablespoons butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place carrots and potatoes in oven; bake 30 minutes. Stir carrots and pierce potatoes with fork in several places. Bake until carrots and potatoes are tender, about 50 minutes longer. Using ricer, press carrots into large bowl, scraping in any juices from baking dish. Halve potatoes. Working in batches, scoop potato flesh into ricer, then rice potatoes into bowl with carrots. Using electric mixer, beat in 4 tablespoons butter, then sour cream, warm half and half, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
Butter 13x9x2-inch oval baking dish. Spread potato mixture in dish, swirling mixture to create peaks. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
Bake in 350°F oven until heated through and brown in spots, about 25 minutes (35 minutes if chilled).
Pairing:Pair wine with entree |
Old-fashioned ham with brown sugar and mustard glaze - Dinner
1 10-pound smoked ham with rind, preferably shank end
1 cup unsweetened apple juice or apple cider
1/2 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
2/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in large roasting pan. Pour apple juice over ham. Cover ham completely with parchment paper, then cover ham and roasting pan completely with heavy-duty foil, sealing tightly at edges of pan. Bake ham until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of ham registers 145°F, about 3 hours 45 minutes. Remove ham from oven. Increase oven temperature to 375°F.
Remove foil and parchment from ham. Drain and discard liquids from roasting pan. Cut off rind and all but 1/4-inch-thick layer of fat from ham and discard. Using long sharp knife, score fat in 1-inch-wide, 1/4-inch-deep diamond pattern. Spread mustard evenly over fat layer on ham. Pat brown sugar over mustard coating, pressing firmly to adhere. Drizzle honey evenly over. Bake until ham is well glazed, spooning any mustard and sugar glaze that slides into roasting pan back over ham, about 30 minutes. Transfer ham to serving platter; let cool at least 45 minutes. Slice ham and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
What to drink:
Sauvignon Blanc is a good match for the ham and the asparagus, a notoriously wine-unfriendly ingredient.
Pairing:Riesling or Gewürztraminer |
Corned beef hash with poached eggs - Brunch
Poached Eggs:
1 teaspoon salt
4 to 8 large eggs
Corned Beef Hash:
1/4 cup finely chopped fat trimmings reserved from Homemade Irish Corned Beef and Vegetables or 1/4 cup finely chopped bacon
2/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped cabbage reserved from corned beef
1/2 cup chopped root vegetables (mixture of carrots, turnips, and parsnips) reserved from corned beef
2 cups finely chopped corned beef
2 cups chopped potatoes reserved from corned beef
2 large eggs, beaten to blend
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter or olive oil
For poached eggs:
Pour enough water into large roasting pan to reach depth of 2 inches; set near stove. Pour enough water into large nonstick skillet to reach depth of 1 1/2 inches; add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to simmer. Crack each egg into separate custard cup. Working with 4 eggs per batch, gently slide 1 egg at a time into simmering water in skillet. Cook just until egg whites are set, about 1 minute (yolks will be only partially cooked). Using slotted spoon, carefully transfer eggs to prepared roasting pan with water. Reserve skillet with water. DO AHEAD: Poached eggs can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
For corned beef hash:
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add fat trimmings and sauté until light brown and fat renders, about 3 minutes. Add red onion to skillet and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add cabbage and chopped root vegetable mixture and sauté 5 minutes. Transfer vegetable mixture to bowl; stir in corned beef and potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add beaten eggs and toss to coat.
Melt butter in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add corned beef hash mixture and cook until golden brown on bottom, occasionally pressing down with spatula, about 4 minutes. Turn hash mixture over in small portions and cook until second side is golden brown, occasionally pressing down with spatula, about 3 more minutes.
Meanwhile, bring water in reserved skillet to simmer. Using slotted spoon, gently transfer eggs back to skillet. Cook just until yolks are softly set, about 2 minutes.
Divide corned beef hash among plates. Top hash with one or two poached eggs and serve.
Pairing:Bloody Mary |
Roast beef with wild mushroom sauce and caramelized-shallot mashed potatoes - Dinner
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme, divided
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
3 garlic cloves, pressed, divided
1 2 1/2- to 2 3/4-pound beef tenderloin, well trimmed
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus additional for brushing
8 ounces fresh oyster mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups lightly packed)
8 ounces fresh chanterelle mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups lightly packed)
2 tablespoons minced shallot
4 tablespoons brandy, divided
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 rounded tablespoon all purpose flour
Beef Reduction
Caramelized-Shallot Mashed Potatoes
2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
Mix 1 tablespoon thyme, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 2 pressed garlic cloves in small bowl. Rub salt mixture over beef tenderloin. Wrap in plastic. Place in 11x7x2-inch baking dish and chill at least 1 day and up to 3 days.
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add oyster and chanterelle mushrooms and sauté until browned, about 8 minutes. Add minced shallot, 1 pressed garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon thyme; sauté 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons brandy and stir 20 seconds. Add cream; stir until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush heavy large roasting pan with oil. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef tenderloin and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes Total. Transfer to prepared roasting pan. Roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 118°F for rare, about 28 minutes. Transfer beef to cutting board; let rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, rewarm mushroom mixture. Sprinkle flour over; stir to coat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons brandy to roasting pan. Heat over medium heat, scraping up browned bits, then add to mushroom mixture. Add Beef Reduction to mushrooms and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Thinly slice beef. Divide Caramelized- Shallot Mashed Potatoes among 6 plates. Arrange beef slices on plates. Spoon mushroom sauce over, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Pairing:Chateauneuf du Pape or big Grenache based wine |
Roasted lamb shoulder (agnello de latte arrosto) - Dinner
6-pound lamb shoulder, cut by butcher into 4 very thick chops, about 1 1/2 pounds each
2 celery ribs, cut in 1-inch chunks (about 2 cups)
2 medium carrots, cut in 1-inch chunks (about 2 cups)
2 medium onions, cut in large chunks (about 3 cups)
3-inch piece cinnamon stick
6 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
4 small branches fresh rosemary
8 fresh sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt, or more to taste
2 cups dry white wine
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups light stock (chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth), or more if needed
Recommended Equipment:
A large, heavy-duty roasting pan, 17 by 20 inches preferred
Aluminum foil
Trim most of the fat from the chops, leaving only a very thin layer on the outside surfaces. With your fingers, pull apart each chop, roughly in half, along the natural break lines between the muscles.
Put the meat in a large bowl with all of the remaining ingredients except the stock. Toss well to distribute all the seasonings, and submerge the meat in the marinade. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Turn the meat occasionally.
Heat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the meat chunks in the roasting pan, spread the marinade all around them, and pour in the stock. Cover the pan with a tent of aluminum foil, and press it firmly against the sides. Pierce a few slits in the foil as steam vents.
Roast for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting and turning the meat every 30 minutes or so. After the first hour, remove the foil, and continue roasting uncovered. As the pan liquid evaporates and the meat starts to caramelize, baste and turn more frequently. If the meat seems to be drying quickly, reduce the oven temperature. When the meat is very tender and nicely browned all over, and the pan juices have reduced by half, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the meat chunks to a warm platter.
To make the sauce, mash all the vegetables in the roasting pan, using a potato masher or a big spoon. Stir the pan juices around the sides and bottom of the pan to deglaze all the tasty caramelized bits. Pour everything into a sturdy wire-mesh sieve set over a bowl or large measuring cup. Press on the vegetables, releasing their juices, and force them through the sieve, scraping the purée into the bowl to thicken and flavor the sauce. Skim the fat from the surface, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
When you are ready to serve, pour about half the sauce into a large skillet, along with the lamb pieces and any meat juices in the platter. Heat slowly to a simmer, turning the meat over and over until it is heated through. Return the meat to the platter, and drizzle over it the thickened sauce from the skillet. Serve right away, passing the remaining sauce at the table.
Pairing:Cabernet Franc or Saint Emilion Bordeaux |
Polenta and vegetables with roasted red pepper sauce - Dinner
1 cup uncooked instant polenta
2/3 cup grated Parmesan, divided
1/81/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or oregano) or 1 tablespoon dried
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 asparagus stalks, ends trimmed
8 scallions, trimmed
2 small Japanese or Italian eggplants, trimmed and halved
1 medium-large yellow squash (about ½ pound), cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Sauce
1 jar (12 ounces) prepared roasted red peppers, drained
1/3 cup vegetable (or chicken) broth
1 large clove garlic, chopped
3 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, basil or parsley (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium-sized heavy saucepan. Add polenta in a stream, whisking to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in 1/3 cup Parmesan and season with cayenne and salt. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Transfer polenta to pie plate, smooth into an even layer and let cool 15 minutes. Heat broiler. Whisk garlic, thyme, lemon juice and oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss vegetables with dressing. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange vegetables in 1 layer (or in 1 layer in a grill basket). Broil vegetables about 4 inches from heat until tender and slightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter. Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Sprinkle polenta with remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan. Broil polenta in pie plate until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, then cut polenta into 8 triangles. Divide polenta among 4 plates. Top with vegetables, drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with chives. Serve any remaining sauce on the side.
Pairing:Primitivo |
Leek and asparagus frittata - Brunch
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
1 12-ounce bunch thin asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup sliced stemmed shiitake mushrooms
8 large omega-3 eggs
1 cup diced Fontina cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat broiler. Melt butter in heavy broilerproof 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté 4 minutes. Add asparagus and shiitake mushrooms, sprinkle lightly with salt, and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup Fontina cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in medium bowl. Add egg mixture to skillet; fold gently to combine. Cook until almost set. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Fontina cheese and Parmesan cheese over. Broil until frittata is puffed and cheese begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.
Pairing:Mimosa |
Corned beef with cabbage - Dinner
4 lb corned brisket of beef
3 large carrots, cut into large chunks
6 to 8 small onions
1 teaspoon dry English mustard
large sprig fresh thyme and some parsley stalks, tied together
1 cabbage
salt and freshly ground pepper
Put the brisket into a saucepan with the carrots, onions, mustard and the herbs. Cover with cold water, and bring gently to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours. Discard the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut in quarters and add to the pot. Cook for a further 1 to 2 hours or until the meat and vegetables are soft and tender.
Serve the corned beef in slices, surrounded by the vegetables and cooking liquid. Serve with lots of floury potatoes and freshly made mustard.
Pairing:Gewurztraminer or Riesling |
Thai chicken-coconut soup - Dinner
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 red Thai (or jalapeño) peppers, seeded and finely chopped (plus slices for garnish)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon (or lime) juice
4 tablespoons Thai fish sauce, divided
1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced (3 cups)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each), cut into 2 1/2-inch-long by 1/4-inch-wide strips
1 cup light coconut milk
2 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoon chopped cilantro (plus sprigs for garnish)
Place noodles in a bowl; add enough warm water to cover and let sit until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain. Combine broth, pepper, garlic, ginger, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice and 3 tablespoon fish sauce in a medium saucepan. Season with salt. Bring to a simmer, add noodles and cook 3 minutes more. Using tongs, transfer noodles to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Add mushrooms to broth; season with salt, if desired; simmer 3 minutes more. Add chicken and coconut milk and simmer, stirring, until chicken is just cooked, about 3 minutes. Stir in spinach until it begins to wilt, about 1 minute. Add chopped cilantro and season with remaining 1 tablespoon fish sauce. Using tongs, divide noodles among 4 bowls. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with sprigs of cilantro and slices of pepper.
Pairing:none |
Potato casserole - Side
2 pounds boiling potatoes
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle.
Peel potatoes and thinly slice (about 1/16 inch thick), then toss with butter, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Spread evenly in a 2-quart shallow baking dish and add broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is well-browned and most of stock is absorbed, 30 to 35 minutes more.
Pairing:Pair wine with entrée |
Simmered greens with cornmeal dumplings - Dinner
1 (1-pound) piece slab bacon
3 quarts water
3 pound mixed greens such as collard, mustard, and turnip
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
Score bacon 2 or 3 times (do not cut all the way through), then simmer in water in a wide 6-quart pot, covered, 1 hour.
Discard any coarse stems from greens and coarsely chop leaves.
Add greens, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to bacon and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then blend in butter well with your fingertips. Stir in milk until just combined. Let dough stand 5 minutes.
With wet hands, roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls.
Gently place dumplings on top of greens. Cook, covered and undisturbed, over low heat until greens are very tender and silky and dumplings are puffed and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Discard bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
Pairing:Dry Rose |
Baked tomatoes with crusty bread - Side
3 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes in juice
3/4 stick unsalted butter, divided
2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar, or to taste
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices good-quality white sandwich bread such as a pullman loaf
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle. Butter a 3-quart baking dish (about 13 by 9 by 2 inches).
Drain tomatoes, reserving 1 cup juice, then chop.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until foam subsides, then cook onions with 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, allspice, and cloves and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Stir in tomatoes with reserved juice, thyme, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt remaining 1/2 stick butter and brush onto both sides of bread. Halve each slice.
Transfer tomato mixture to baking dish and top with bread, overlapping slightly. Bake until bubbling and bread is crisp and golden-brown, about 20 minutes.
Pairing:Pair wine with entree |
Honey Apple Cake - Dessert
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs
1 cup honey
3/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
2 large McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch angel food cake pan. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom and line the pan with it. Do not grease the paper.
2. Onto a large sheet of wax paper, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until combined.
4. Turn the machine off and add the honey. Beat on low speed until blended. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds.
5. Turn off the machine again and add the dry ingredients, alternating with the coffee, until the batter is combined. (The batter will be loose.)
6. With a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the cake is deep golden on top and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven to a wire rack and let it stand for 5 minutes. Remove the sides of the pan and carefully remove the cake from the bottom. Let the cake stand right side up on a wire rack to cool. Store the cake, covered in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for 1 week.
To Freeze: Make the cake as directed in the recipe, let it cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a large freezer bag. Freeze for up to several weeks.
To Defrost: Remove all the wrappings and let it stand at room temperature until ready to serve.
Pairing:Muscat |
Classic Baklava - Dessert
Syrup:
3 cups sugar, or 2 cups sugar and 1 cup honey
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons light corn syrup (optional)
2 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon (optional)
4 to 6 whole cloves, or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Filling:
1 pound blanched almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or any combination, finely chopped or coarsely ground (about 4 cups)
1/4 cup sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or cardamom (optional)
1 pound (about 24 sheets) phyllo dough
About 1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter or vegetable oil
1. To make the syrup: Stir the sugar, water, lemon juice, and if using, the corn syrup, cinnamon sticks, and/or cloves over low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stop stirring, increase the heat to medium, and cook until the mixture is slightly syrupy, about 5 minutes (it will register 225 degrees on a candy thermometer). Discard the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Let cool.
2. To make the filling: Combine all the filling ingredients.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12-by-9-inch or 13-by-9-inch baking pan or 15-by-10-inch jelly roll pan.
4. Place a sheet of phyllo in the prepared pan and lightly brush with butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets. Spread with half of the filling. Top with 8 more sheets, brushing each with butter. Use any torn sheets in the middle layer. Spread with the remaining nut mixture and end with a top layer of 8 sheets, continuing to brush each with butter. Trim any overhanging edges.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut 6 equal lengthwise strips (about 1 3/4 inches wide) through the top layer of pastry. Make 1 1/2-inch-wide diagonal cuts across the strips to form diamond shapes.
6. Just before baking, lightly sprinkle the top of the pastry with cold water. This inhibits the pastry from curling. Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake until golden brown, about 15 additional minutes.
7. Cut through the scored lines. Drizzle the cooled syrup slowly over the hot baklava and let cool for at least 4 hours. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 week. If the baklava dries out while being stored, drizzle with a little additional hot syrup.
VARIATIONS
Instead of brushing each layer of phyllo with butter, cut the unbaked baklava into diamonds all the way through, drizzle with 1 cup vegetable oil, and let stand for 10 minutes before baking.
Persian Baklava: Using the almonds and cardamom in the filling: Omit the lemon juice and cinnamon from the syrup and add 1/4 cup rose water or 1 tablespoon orange blossom water after it has cooled.
Paklava(Azerbaijani Baklava): For the filling, use 2 cups blanched almonds, 2 cups unsalted pistachios, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Crush 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads and let steep in 3 tablespoons of the melted butter for 15 minutes and use to brush the top sheet of phyllo.
Pairing:Tawny Port |
Strawberries Romanoff - Dessert
2 pints strawberries, washed and stemmed
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 cup heavy cream
1. Slice the strawberries. In a large bowl, toss three-quarters of them with the sugar and orange liqueur. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to macerate.
2. Put the ice cream in the refrigerator to soften.
3. Put the cream and half the macerated strawberries in a cold mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, whip to soft peaks, about 12 minutes. Fold in the ice cream.
4. Distribute the cream among 6 chilled bowls. Mix the plain sliced berries with the remaining macerated berries and place on top of the cream.
Pairing:Muscat |
Golden Banana Cake - Dessert
1 cup (145 grams) all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of baking soda
8 tablespoons (1 stick) (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 tablespoons (20 grams) olive oil
3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
4 large eggs
1 extra-ripe medium banana, peeled and mashed
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter, olive oil, and sugar at low speed. Increase the speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed banana. Add the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Unmold the cake and cool completely on the rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, 1 week refrigerated, or 2 months frozen.
Pairing:Orange Muscat |
Milk-and-Dark-Chocolate Mousse Cake - Dessert
Chocolate Génoise
3/4 plus 1 tablespoon (118 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
3/4 cup (70 grams) unsweetened alkalized cocoa powder, sifted
6 large eggs
1 cup (200 grams) sugar
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Milk and Dark Chocolate Mousses
3 1/2 cups (812 grams) heavy cream
5 ounces (142 grams) milk chocolate, finely chopped
5 ounces (142 grams) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Sugar Syrup
1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
Make the chocolate génoise:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch round cake pan. Dust the pan with flour and tap out the excess.
2. Whisk together the flour and cocoa powder in a medium bowl; set aside.
3. Fill a pot one-third full with water and bring to a simmer. Combine the eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Place the bowl over the simmering water and whisk until the mixture is warm to the touch. Transfer the bowl to the mixer stand and, using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until the mixture triples in volume and forms a thick ribbon when the whisk is lifted, about 8 minutes. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour mixture. Fold in the melted butter. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it has pulled away from the side of the pan and the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Unmold the cake on a rack and cool completely, right side up.
Make the milk and dark chocolate mousses:
5. In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the whisk attachment, beat 2 1/2 cups (580 grams) of the heavy cream to soft peaks. Scrape half of the whipped cream into a medium bowl. Cover both bowls and refrigerate.
6. Put the milk and dark chocolate in two separate medium bowls. Bring the remaining 1 cup (232 grams) cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Pour 1/2 cup (116 grams) of the hot cream over the milk chocolate and the remaining 1/2 cup (116 grams) over the bittersweet chocolate. Gently whisk the milk chocolate until it is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Whisk the dark chocolate until smooth.
7. Let the chocolate mixtures cool for 10 minutes. Fold the milk chocolate mixture into one bowl of whipped cream. Fold the dark chocolate into the remaining whipped cream.
Make the sugar syrup:
8. Combine 1/4 cup (59 grams) water and the sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Assemble the cake:
9. Using a serrated knife, slice the cake horizontally in half. Cup a strip of parchment paper to line the inside of a 9x4-inch cake ring. Line the mold with the strip and place it on a serving plate. Place a 9-inch cardboard cake round in the bottom of the cake ring. Place the bottom cake round, cut side up, in the ring. Brush the cake generously with the sugar syrup. Scrape the dark chocolate mousse onto the cake and smooth it into an even layer. Top with the second cake round, cut side down. Brush the cake generously with syrup. Scrape the milk chocolate mousse onto it, smoothing it into an even layer. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
10. To unmold the cake, lift it off the plate, holding it with your palm against the cardboard round. Using a hairdryer or warm damp towel, briefly warm the cake ring mold. Lift off the ring mold and peel off the parchment strip. Allow the cake to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Pairing:Port or any Late Harvest Red |
Chocolate Truffles - Dessert
For the ganache
Generous 2 cups (18 ounces; 500 grams) heavy cream
21 ounces (600 grams) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Generous 1/4 cup (2 ounces; 60 grams) Grand Marnier or Stoli Razberi vodka (optional)
To enrobe the truffles
18 ounces (500 grams) bittersweet chocolate, tempered
18 ounces (500 grams) white chocolate, tempered
To garnish the truffles
2 cups (8 ounces; 230 grams) Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 1/2 cups (9 ounces; 250 grams) shredded sweetened coconut, toasted (see note, below)
About 2 cups (8 ounces; 230 grams) toasted nuts, finely chopped (see note, below)
Heat the heavy cream in a 2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan until bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan. Make sure that you have chopped the chocolate as finely as possible to allow it to melt quickly and easily. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium-size mixing bowl. Make a ganache by pouring about half of the hot cream over the chocolate and letting it sit for 30 seconds to melt the chocolate. Then slowly whisk until smooth and homogenous. Do not add all of the hot cream to the cold chocolate at once; the shock of the temperature extremes would cause the fat in the chocolate to separate. As the chocolate melts, you will see some elasticity if there is no fat separation. This means the chocolate still has an emulsion; the fat molecules are still holding together. If the ganache separates, it loses its elasticity, collapses, and becomes very liquid. I use a hand-held immersion blender to ensure a smooth ganache and to keep the emulsion of the chocolate. Add the remaining cream gradually and mix until all of the hot cream is incorporated and the ganache is smooth and homogenous.
If the ganache separates, it is very easy to fix. Simply add a small amount of cold cream and whisk well. This will bring the ganache back together. The ganache should be thick, shiny, and smooth. Add the desired flavoring and mix until fully incorporated. Pour the ganache onto a plastic wrap-covered baking sheet and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Cover the ganache with plastic wrap and allow it to cool for at least 4 hours at room temperature. I usually make the ganache at the end of the day and let it cool overnight. As it cools, it will thicken and set.
When the ganache has cooled to the consistency of toothpaste, scrape it into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip. Do not stir the ganache when you do this. Incorporating air by stirring will cause the ganache to harden. Pipe 1-inch-diameter mounds spaced 1 inch apart on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet. To pipe the mounds, hold the pastry bag at a slight angle and allow the tip to touch the parchment as you begin to pipe. Once you have formed the mound, stop squeezing and lift the tip straight up, leaving a small tail on the top of each mound. You can also use a spoon and drop small mounds of ganache onto the baking sheet. Let the truffles harden at room temperature for a couple of hours (or in the refrigerator for 15 minutes), until they are hard enough to roll with your hands.
When I roll the truffles, I usually wear surgical gloves. The gloves are not mandatory but if you do not use them, be sure your hands are very clean. To roll the mound into a ball, place a truffle between both palms, squeeze slightly, and roll between your hands. The truffles will look nicer if they are as round as possible. When all the truffles are rolled into balls, they are ready to be coated. If they have become too soft, place them in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until they are firm enough to dip.
You can use either a dipping fork or your hands to dip the truffles in chocolate. To use the fork, drop the truffle into the bowl of tempered chocolate and then retrieve it with the dipping fork. Hold the fork over the bowl for several seconds to allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Gently scrape the bottom of the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate and roll the dipped truffle in the desired garnish. Place on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet. If you use your hands, dab some chocolate in the palm of one hand. Roll the truffle in that palm to completely coat it with chocolate. Place the enrobed truffle on the baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining truffles. This method is very quick but it can also be extremely messy.
When all of the truffles have been coated once, repeat the enrobing procedure. This is necessary only when you enrobe the truffles by hand rather than with a fork. The truffles are usually more evenly coated when dipped with a fork. As soon as each truffle gets a second coating, immediately roll it in the desired garnish. You need to do this before the chocolate sets or the topping will not adhere. At this stage, it is good to have a friend help because it is hard to dip and roll at the same time. Place the truffles on a clean parchment paper-covered baking sheet and allow them to set, about 5 minutes.
The truffles will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, when stored in an airtight container.
Notes:
If you decide to roll the truffles by hand, it is important to make sure your hands are cold. A good trick is to dip your hands in ice water for a few seconds and then dry them. Do this immediately before rolling the truffles. If your hands are too warm and the truffles begin to melt while you are rolling them, redip your hands | | | |
