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It’s Thanksgiving Week! Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy

Posted on November 8, 2010 by amydeline

You didn’t think I’d leave ya hanging for Thanksgiving, did ya? I’d never do a thing like that! I figured it wouldn’t do you very much good if I waited until the day after Thanksgiving to share all of the delicious things I ate, so I’ve decided to officially declare this Thanksgiving Week on The Gourmand Mom.

We’ll start with the basics; turkey and gravy; and go from there. We’ll work our way through a fantastic Spiced Sweet Potato Puree with Pecan Streusel. Our mouths will water over some homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce. Then we’ll take a look back at my favorite stuffing recipe and a few other previously posted dishes which would make perfect additions to any Thanksgiving table. After that, we’ll try out a new doughy dinner rolls recipe I’ve got my eyes on. Finally, we’ll move on to the desserts; my mom’s Pumpkin Coconut Pie and my favorite Chocolate Pecan Pie. After that, well, we’ll just have to see where it goes from there.

Today, we’re starting with the turkey. I’ll let you in on my dirty little secret. I haven’t roasted a whole turkey in years. For the past fews years, I’ve been roasting a bone-in whole turkey breast separate from the drumsticks. Some people may claim that this is Thanksgiving culinary sacrilege. I claim that it produces the best end result. Here’s the deal… when you cook the turkey whole, you’re forced to continue cooking that big ole turkey until the slowest cooking parts come up to a safe temperature. In the mean time, this often results in overcooking and drying out the faster cooking breast. And who likes dried out turkey breast?? Not me!

By cooking the turkey breast separate from the drumsticks, you can cook each part to perfection. The roasted turkey breast continues to make a stunning presentation on the Thanksgiving table.  Serve it with roasted drumsticks on the side and you’ll hardly notice the difference. Besides, how long does everyone really sit and gaze at the whole turkey before it gets carved and served anyway? The roasted turkey breast is big, golden brown, and perfectly moist. Your guests will have nothing to complain about.

Because the turkey breast is smaller, it will require less cooking time. Furthermore, the smaller size is easier to handle overall. So, my recommendation is to cook a large turkey breast separate from the drumsticks. My grocery store carries whole turkey breasts right alongside the whole turkeys. One large turkey breast should serve at least 6-8 people with some leftovers. If you’re serving a large crowd, buy two. For dark meat lovers, grab a couple drumsticks. Go crazy. Buy more than two. Then roast (or braise) the drumsticks separately and serve with your perfectly roasted turkey breast.

There are many creative recipes out there for turkey. Food Network is consistently a wonderful source for turkey recipes and other Thanksgiving menu ideas. Today, we’re sticking with a basic herb-roasted preparation. We’ll rub the turkey with an herbed butter, then begin by roasting at a high temperature to achieve a nice brown color on the skin while searing the exterior to lock in the juices. Then, we’ll lower the heat and let the turkey finish cooking to perfection. As the turkey cooks, delicious juices will collect on the bottom of the roasting pan. We’ll enrich the flavor of those juices by placing a few aromatics, in the form of celery, carrots, and onions, in the bottom of the roasting pan. While the turkey is resting, we’ll be able to turn those juices and a bit of chicken stock into a simple and delicious pan-gravy.

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy

Ingredients

  • 1 6-7 pound Turkey Breast (bone in)
  • 1/2 stick Butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Rosemary
  • 3/4 cup Carrots, coarse chopped
  • 1 Onion, quartered
  • 3/4 cup Celery, coarse chopped
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock

Directions

The night before, remove the turkey breast from it’s packaging. Place on a rack in a roasting pan and sit, uncovered in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the butter, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the herbed butter all over the turkey. Working from the edges, try to loosen the skin and rub some of the butter directly onto the turkey breast. In the bottom of the roasting pan, scatter the carrots, celery, and onion. Add the chicken stock to the bottom of the pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and roast for 25 minutes. The skin should take on a nice golden browned color. Baste the turkey with the pan juices. Then, lower the heat to 325 degrees. Periodically, baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the pan. (If the bottom of the pan becomes too dry during cooking, add a little more stock.) Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Use an instant read meat thermometer, inserted into a deep part of the breast, to check the temperature. A 7 pound turkey will take approximately 2 hours at 325 degrees, after the initial 25 minutes at 475 degrees. When the turkey is cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Loosely cover the turkey with foil and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the gravy and side dishes.

Serves about 6-8, generously

Turkey Pan Gravy

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Butter
  • 3 Tablespoons Flour
  • Drippings from Turkey
  • 1 1/2 cups Chicken Stock (approximately)

Directions

Pour out the turkey juices from the roasting pan. Strain to remove the vegetables. Allow the juices to sit for a few minutes. The fat will rise to the top. Pour off the fat and reserve the remaining juices. Add chicken stock to the juices to make a total of 2 cups liquid. In a saucepan, combine the butter and flour over medium heat, whisking continuously. Cook for a minute or two. Then, whisk in the turkey juice/chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy begins to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, as desired.

Makes 2 cups

Now, if you’ve just got to create that beautiful, Norman Rockwell style, picture-perfect bird, here are a few tips for handling that whole turkey:

  • Do not stuff your turkey. Stuffing your turkey presents a food safety and moist turkey challenge. Since the stuffing is in contact with the raw turkey, it will need to reach a temperature of 165 degrees to be safe. In order to reach this safe temperature, you’ll often end up cooking the turkey longer than necessary. Instead, bake your stuffing separately and throw a few herbs and aromatics into the turkey cavity; celery, onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, rosemary, etc.
  • Allow your turkey to sit uncovered in the fridge overnight before roasting. This will help to produce a crispier skin.
  • Start your turkey at a high temperature (475 – 500 degrees) for the first 20-30 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 or 350 degrees to finish cooking.
  • Don’t bother with that flipping the turkey technique you may have seen. In my opinion, it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
  • To brine or not to brine? Brining your turkey in a solution of salt, water, and other seasonings is said to produce a juicier and more flavorful turkey. There are people who swear by brining to produce the best turkey. I’m not one of those people. I’ve brined and I’ve not brined. In my opinion, the difference is minimal. But if you’ve got the time  and space to do it, go for it. Click here for a useful resource on brining.
  • Loosely tenting the turkey with foil during cooking can help to prevent over-browning and keep the turkey moist. Be sure to remove the foil during the last 45 minutes to achieve a nicely browned skin.
  • To be safe, all parts of your turkey should register 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer. Some resources list 180 degrees as the minimal temperature. The USDA recommends 165 degrees as measured in the  innermost part of the thigh and wing and the deepest part of the breast.
  • Let your turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This is a good time to make the gravy and finish reheating your side dishes.
  • After dinner, throw the whole turkey carcass into a large pit of simmering water. Follow my procedure for chicken soup to make a tasty turkey soup. Click here for my chicken soup procedure.

A few excellent resources for turkey info:

FDA – Let’s Talk Turkey

Food Network – Top Ten Turkey Tips

Food Network – Turkey Recipes and Turkey Calculator

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Posted in Dressings and Condiments, Food, Main Course, Poultry, Recipes, Sauces and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

**Top Secret Family Recipe**

Posted on November 2, 2010 by amydeline

There’s something special about secret family recipes. I’d be willing to bet that every family has got at least one. They are the recipes which are passed on from one generation to the next, the recipes which are prepared on special occasions, the recipes which make you think of home. Perhaps it’s a certain cookie recipe which is baked every Christmas; the one all of your friends and neighbors look forward to. Maybe it’s a special blend of spices which makes your chili stand out. Or it might be a Strawberry-Rhubard Pie which won your Great Aunt Ethel the grand prize at a state fair back in 1920. Whatever it is, these family recipes hold a special worth. They evoke memories and a family pride, which contribute an immeasurable level of value to an otherwise ordinary recipe.

Some families guard their secret recipes with their lives, much like Colonel Sanders guards his secret blend of herbs and spices or Spongebob protects the secret crabby-patty ingredient. Try asking for the recipe and they evade your request, changing topics or vaguely agreeing to send it to you at some unspecified future time. Or perhaps they agree to share the recipe, but it’s done in a whisper, as if Great-Great-Grandma Jones is going to rise from her grave at any moment. Secret family recipes are a special sort of recipe.

As you may expect, my family has its own share of secret recipes. The one which I most strongly associate with home is my dad’s recipe for Connecticut Supper. It’s been my dad’s signature recipe for as long as I can remember. Even now, when we go home for a visit, my dad eagerly prepares Connecticut Supper or he retrieves a tin from the freezer, saved for that very occasion. Either way, it’s almost always waiting for us. It feels like home.

My dad can’t recall the exact origin of the recipe, though he’s pretty sure it was originally found in an old Betty Crocker cookbook circa 1970’s, or something of the like. As far as the name, there is no explanation for that either. It is what it is; Connecticut Supper. And Connecticut Supper is a beefy, cheesy, potato-laden casserole which is pure cold-weather comfort food. This is a Sunday dinner type of meal; a one-dish meal, bubbly hot out of the oven and perfect for a crowd.

Now, we’re all friends here, so I’m going to trust you with my family secret. This is just between us. Shhhh…

**CONFIDENTIAL**

Connecticut Supper

Ingredients

  • 2 large Onions, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 pounds Stew Beef, cut into 1″ cubes
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 cups Mushrooms, sliced*
  • 2-3 Potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 3/4 cup Milk
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 10 ounce bar of Sharp Cheddar, grated
  • 1 – 1 1/2 cup Wheaties, crushed

*My dad recommends finding your mushrooms at the grocery store, not from your lawn.

Directions

Heat oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions are tender and lightly browned. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the onions. Cook for a few minutes, until the beef is lightly browned. Pour the water over the mixture. Cover and gently simmer for about 50 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour the beef, onions, and cooking liquid into a large (13×9) baking dish. Arrange the mushroom slices in an even layer over the beef. Arrange the potatoes in an even layer over the mushrooms. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread the mixture over the potatoes. Top with cheddar cheese, then crushed Wheaties. Bake for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

**CONFIDENTIAL**

This blog post will self-destruct upon reading.


What’s your family’s secret recipe? Will you share it with me?

6 Comments

Posted in Beef, Cheese, Food, Main Course, Potato, Recipes and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Easy Pork Fried Rice

Posted on October 31, 2010 by amydeline

Last weekend, my siblings and I planned a sneak attack on our mom, to surprise her for a birthday of some significance. With the greatest of stealth, we traveled to our hometown and gathered at Hotoke, a Japanese steakhouse style restaurant, which specializes in hibachi entrees and sushi. Our coup was a grand success. The birthday girl was beyond surprised, the food was delicious, and the laughs were plentiful. It was a fantastic evening.

We knew we were in for a fun time when the first thing our teppanyaki chef shouted was Sake Time! which was immediately followed by squirting everyone (except this pregnant lady) in the mouth with sake from a squirt bottle. The kids were squirted with water. Befuddled doesn’t even begin to describe their expressions. Moments later, the chef yelled Fire in the Hole! And he wasn’t joking. In an instant, the grill was covered with hot, blinding fire. My littlest guy has never moved so quickly into my arms. And he remained in my arms from that point on. He was clearly skeptical about this entire experience.

Our chef expertly prepared a feast of fried rice, shrimp, chicken, steak, lobster tail, and vegetables. As the food cooked, we were wowed by an onion ring volcano and kept busy by having bits of broccoli thrown at our faces. Though none of our party actually managed to catch a piece in our mouths, we all enjoyed laughing at each other as each person took their turn getting hit in the face with food. I’m not sure I can ever serve broccoli to my children again.

Amongst all of the evening’s exciting events, my three year old discovered that he loved chopsticks, steak, and fried rice. He takes after his mother with that love of fried rice! Most often, I get my fried rice on the side of my Orange Chicken from our local Chinese takeout restaurant. But, it’s incredibly simple to make at home and puts leftover rice, meat and veggies to great use. Our leftovers from last week’s roasted pork loin provided just what we needed for a bit of fried rice. You can customize this recipe using whatever leftover meat and veggies you have. I made use of our leftover pork, but you can easily substitute shrimp, beef, chicken, or create an all veggie version. Throw in whatever you’ve got on hand.

Pork Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 Egg, lightly beaten
  • 2-3 Tbsp Oil (Vegetable, Peanut, Sesame)
  • 2 cups leftover White Rice
  • Carrots, cut into matchsticks
  • Green Onions, chopped
  • Leftover Roast Pork, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp Soy Sauce

Directions

Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the lightly beaten egg and cook until scrambled. Removed the scrambled egg and set aside. Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in the same pan. Add the rice, veggies, and meat. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until all ingredients are well heated. Add the scrambled eggs to the mixture. Pour soy sauce over the top and toss to combine.

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Posted in Eggs, Food, Main Course, Pork, Recipes, Rice, Side Dishes, Vegetable and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Hoisin-Glazed Pork with Roasted Red Peppers

Posted on October 29, 2010 by amydeline

It’s come to my attention that in some parts of the country, my friends are still wearing shorts. While here, in upstate New York, fall is in fully swing. Our leaves have passed the pretty red, orange, and yellow stage and are well on their way to crispy brown. There’s a definite chill in the air. And last night I regretted not wearing a pair of gloves as I took the dog for an evening walk. Winter is on its way.

But recently, Mother Nature gave us one, last kind-weather reprieve with a handful of beautiful, sunny, and warm days. Not to let this gift go to waste, the boys and I spent a little time romping in the leaf covered yard. On days such as these, a simple no-fuss dinner is in order. And I’ve got just the thing; a simple hoisin-glazed pork tenderloin served over rice with sweet roasted peppers and crunchy water chestnuts. The ingredient list is short, the preparation uncomplicated, and the result delicious.

Hoisin is a soy-based sauce which is both sweet and savory with just a hint of spicy flavor. To the hoisin sauce, I add a spicy red curry paste to turn up the heat a bit. You can add as little or as much as you like. You should be able to find both hoisin sauce and red curry paste in the International or Asian section of your grocery store. A pinch of cayenne pepper would make a fine substitute in the absence of red curry paste.

Hoisin-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Peppers and Water Chestnuts

Ingredients

  • 1 1-pound Pork Tenderloin
  • 2-3 Tbsp Sesame Oil (or Vegetable Oil)
  • 1/3 cup Hoisin Sauce
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp Red Curry Paste*
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
  • 1 8-ounce can Water Chestnuts, drained and sliced
  • 3-4 Green Onions, chopped
  • 2 cups White Rice

*If Red Curry Paste is unavailable, you can spice it up with a bit of cayenne pepper, to taste.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss the red pepper slices in a bit of oil and place in a baking dish. Trim the pork tenderloin to remove any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium/medium-high heat. Place the tenderloin in the hot skillet and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side. Place the seared tenderloin in the center of the peppers in the baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce and red curry paste, as desired. Coat the tenderloin in the sauce. Scatter the sliced water chestnuts around the pork. Cook uncovered until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 155-160 degrees, as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the roast and how long it seared before roasting. Approximately 35-45 minutes should do the trick. Allow the pork to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Then, slice into 1/4 inch pieces and serve over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Serves 4

And the best part of this dish?

Pork Fried Rice made from the leftovers! Check back for that recipe tomorrow!

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Dark Chocolate Orange Cake with Cannoli Filling

Posted on October 28, 2010 by amydeline

Early each morning, sometime before the sun rises, our three year old crawls out of his bed and taps his tiny bare feet along the hardwood floors as he finds his way into our bedroom. He climbs into bed between me and my husband, snuggles up under the heavy down comforter, and quietly falls back to sleep. This has been his routine for most of his perfect little life.

As such, on the day of my birthday, he made his way to his space in the bed and snuggled up with his head nuzzled into my back. With his tiny hand, he touched my cheek for just a moment. And then he whispered, Mommy? Is today the day of your birthday? I replied affirmatively. He continued, Mommy? What sweetie? Happy Birthday Mommy. Thank you baby. Go to sleep now. Mommy? What is it buddy? I’m going to make you delicious treats for your birthday. I can’t wait, sweetie. Now, go to sleep.

Then we went back to sleep, at least until my other little guy came charging into the room. He doesn’t tap across the floor; he charges. And he doesn’t snuggle up and go back to sleep; he pounces, giggles, and makes animal noises. But, by this time, the sun had risen and it was time for our day of delicious treats to begin.

If you ask my kids, no birthday of delicious treats is complete without cake. And I have absolutely no problem with baking myself a cake on my birthday. The best part is being able to custom design the cake of your birthday dreams! And on my special day, I decided to make a moist dark chocolate cake, accented with fresh orange zest, filled with chocolate-chip cannoli cream, and smothered with chocolate ganache. Doesn’t that sound dreamy?

I went back to my favorite chocolate cake recipe, which you’ve seen here before. It’s truly fantastic; moist, rich, and delicious. With a few little modifications, I incorporated a hint of orange flavor. The orange in the cake is intended to complement the sweet, delicious candied orange peel I’ll be mixing into the cannoli filling. You can skip the orange completely, in the cake and filling, but it really does add an interesting depth of flavor.

Candied Orange Peel is a cinch to make and stores well at room temperature, in the fridge or freezer. So, make a big batch and save the extras for throwing in brownies, cookies, and breads or simply dipping in dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

Dark Chocolate Orange Cake

(Adapted from Hershey’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake recipe)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 1-3/4 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 3/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa or HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • Zest of 1 Orange
  • Juice of 1 Orange (about 1/4 cup)*
  • Boiling Water (about 3/4)*

*The combined total of juice and water should be 1 cup.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour two round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for a couple minutes until well combined. Stir in the orange zest. Add the boiling water, orange juice and stir. The batter will be thinner than you might expect. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for about 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before filling and frosting.

Cannoli Filling

Ingredients

  • 1 15 ounce container Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, strained*
  • 3/4 cup Confectioners Sugar
  • Dash of Cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
  • 2-3 Tbsp Candied Orange Peel, finely diced

* If the ricotta cheese seems even a bit runny, strain it by placing it over a piece of cheesecloth, in a colander set over a bowl, for a few hours in the fridge to remove the excess liquid. This will ensure a thick cannoli filling.

Directions

Beat together the ricotta and sugar until smooth. Stir in the cinnamon, chocolate chips and candied orange peel.

Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces Semisweet Chocolate
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Directions

Give the chocolate a coarse chop. Place the chocolate pieces in a bowl. Heat the cream, just to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth.

 

Candied Orange Peel

Ingredients

  • 4 Navel Oranges
  • 3 cups Sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Sugar for rolling (optional)

Directions

Clean the oranges. Cut off the tops and bottoms of the oranges. Use a knife to remove the orange peel and pith in large chunks. Set the oranges aside for another use. Slice the orange peel into thin strips.

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the orange peel and boil for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Bring a fresh pot of water to a boil. Add the orange peel again. Cook for another 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Combine the 3 cups Sugar with 1 cup Water in a saucepan. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. Add the orange peel. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the peels are tender and slightly translucent. Strain. *If desired, you can keep the orange accented syrup for another use.

When the orange peel is cool enough to handle, take a few pieces at a time and roll in sugar to coat. Then, arrange the orange peel onto a drying rack to dry for one to two hours. *If desired, you can skip the sugar-rolling step and simply arrange the peel on the drying rack.

The same procedure can be applied to lemon and lime peel. Dried candied orange peel can be store in an air-tight container at room temperature, refrigerated or frozen.

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Posted in Baking, Chocolate, Desserts, Food, Recipes and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Apple Cinnamon Rangoons

Posted on October 13, 2010 by amydeline

I was seated on a comfortable bar stool set up against a large granite island countertop in the most bright and beautiful kitchen. I was eating a mouthwatering salad of mixed greens, lobster, and avocado, dressed in a fresh vinaigrette. It was course two of a nine course tasting menu. On the other side of the island countertop, dressed in a dalmation print apron, was Chef Patrick O’Connell, busy at the stove, artfully crafting the most perfect dishes. Then it occurred to me. I’m sitting in the kitchen at The Inn at Little Washington and Patrick O’Connell is personally preparing me a nine-course tasting menu. That’s when I realized that I was probably dreaming. But I took another bite of lobster and then proceeded to share a story with my new pal, Patrick, about how the cast of The Hills randomly stopped by my beach house one afternoon to use the bathroom. He laughed and then told me of his encounter with the cast of Jersey Shore. Mind you, I neither have a beach house, nor have I ever even watched The Hills, let alone met the cast. I took another bite of my salad.

Patrick took a piece of foie gras out of the fridge and raised the heat on the skillet. Course three would be foie gras. Fantastic. In the background, I heard an unusual roar and a thump. I turned my attention to a woman who’d entered the kitchen and was standing on the opposite side of the island countertop. Clearly she was an acquaintance of Patrick. She was flipping through the pages of a scrapbook. Feeling right at home, I began flipping through the pages with her; pictures of a grandson. I heard the pop and sizzle of the foie gras hitting the hot pan. And then that strange roar and thump again.

Patrick began preparing my plate, with a perfectly petite mound of baby watercress and a drizzle of a thick, dark sauce. Is that a cherry-balsamic reduction? My mouth was watering. Roar and thump. I opened my eyes. Roar and thump; the sound of the garbage truck passing down my road. I quickly closed my eyes, pressed them tightly together, desperate to return to The Inn at Little Washington. Come on! The foie gras was almost ready! I tried to will myself back into that dream. No such luck. Moments later, a small voice, magnified by the effects of the baby monitor, called to me, Mommy, I’m done with my nap, followed by the sound of small footsteps as he ran to exit his room.

You owe me seven more courses, Patrick O’Connell, starting with that foie gras!

Back to reality… Today’s recipe is the brainchild of three hungry minds. It began with a discussion of an apple cinnamon cream cheese, which my sister enjoys at the bagel shop near her office. Within moments, we’d developed a fully formed idea for a decadent treat, which we named Apple-Cinnamon Rangoons. Think crab rangoons, but take away the crab and throw in some cinnamon apples instead. Pure genius. I’d have made them that very moment if I wasn’t missing the essential cream cheese and too lazy to run down to the grocery store. But I made these little babies yesterday and boy are they spectacular! They’re a tad tedious to assemble, but the result is well-worth the small labor. Make sure you make these when you have a crowd of people around to help you eat them. Or trust me, you will eat them all yourself.

Cinnamon-Apple Rangoons

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp Water
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese, chilled and cut into cubes (approximately 1/2″ each)
  • 40 Wonton Wrappers*
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/8 cup Sugar, for sprinkling
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon, for sprinkling

*My grocery store carries Wonton Wrappers in the frozen foods section. Some grocery stores carry them near the refrigerated produce. Defrost before using.

Directions

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples. Stir and cook for a minute or two. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and water. Stir until the brown sugar  begins to melt and coat the apples. Cook for a few minutes until the apples are tender, but not mushy. Cool before using.

Set up a work station with the cinnamon apples, cream cheese cubes, defrosted wonton wrappers, a small bowl of water, and a large piece of wax paper.

To Assemble the Rangoons:

Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of a wonton wrapper.

Place a small spoonful of the cinnamon apples around the cream cheese.

Use your finger or a pastry brush to wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper in half, over the filling, to create a rectangle.

Use your finger or a pastry brush to wet one corner of the rectangle. Fold the corner down to form a diagonal edge.

Turn the wonton wrapper over and fold down the opposite corner, to form a triangle packet. Place the prepared rangoons onto the wax paper.

**It’s not absolutely necessary to fold the wonton in this manner. You can create any type of packet, even as simple as folding the wonton wrapper in half diagonally.

Repeat until you’ve used all of the filling.

To cook, heat about 1/2″ of vegetable oil in a skillet. Get it good and hot. Add a few of the rangoons and cook for a minute or two on each side, until golden brown and crispy. If they seem to be cooking too quickly, turn down the heat. Remove the rangoons from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle the hot rangoons with a mixture of the cinnamon and sugar. Serve hot.

Makes about 40


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Posted in Desserts, Food, Fruit, General Rambling and Such, Recipes and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Chicken on the Side

Posted on October 12, 2010 by amydeline

It felt like the right time for a roasted chicken, rubbed and stuffed with tons of fresh garlic. Something about the aroma of roasting chicken and garlic seems to instantly warm the house on a crisp autumn day; the same effect as a fireplace ablaze with crackling logs in the winter or a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. Comfort. My husband remarked that the scents which fill our house will leave lasting impressions on our kids. Someday, when they’re all grown up, they’ll catch a whiff of garlic somewhere and think of home. That’s a thought which comforts my heart.

Roasted chicken with garlic always makes a tasty meal, but the brussel sprouts became the surprise star of this show. One bite of the brussel sprouts and the chicken quickly became relegated to side-dish status. Don’t get me wrong, the chicken was delicious. But it paled in comparison to these brussel sprouts; these lovely, lovely brussel sprouts.  If you think you don’t like brussel sprouts, I implore you to try this recipe. It’s inspired by a similar dish, which my local Wegmans carried in their prepared foods section, last year. It was the first time I’d ever tried roasted brussel sprouts and I became an instant fan. The roasting process develops a vibrant, nutty flavor and pleasant texture, which is nothing like the bland, boiled brussel sprouts you may be familiar with. Tossed with crispy bacon and toasted walnuts, these brussel sprouts become a heavenly autumn feast.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Walnuts

Ingredients

  • 1.5 Pounds Brussel Sprouts
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 5 slices Applewood Smoked Bacon, chopped*
  • 1/3 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • Salt and Pepper

*I prefer Applewood Smoked Bacon for it’s flavor. Plus, it’s uncured and nitrate free! If applewood smoked bacon isn’t available, regular bacon will work fine.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut off the ends of the brussel sprouts, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove any browned or yellow leaves. Toss the sprouts in olive oil and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place the brussel sprouts in a baking dish and cook  for 45-60 minutes (depending on the size of the brussel sprouts). Occasionally toss the brussel sprouts as they cook, to promote even browning.

While the brussel sprouts are cooking, prepare the bacon and walnuts. Warm a pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Carefully pour off the excess bacon fat, leaving a tablespoon or two in the pan. Add the walnuts and continue cooking for another minute or two.

During the last 15 minutes of the brussel sprouts’ cooking time, pour the bacon, walnuts, and remaining bacon fat over the sprouts. Toss to distribute. Continue cooking until the brussel sprouts are tender, but not mushy. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

For the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove and discard the giblets from a 5-6 pound roasting chicken. Rinse the chicken, inside and out, and pat dry. Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour about two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and give it a little massage to evenly coat. Rub a couple smashed garlic cloves all over the skin. Gently loosen the skin on the top. Insert a few garlic cloves under the skin. Throw a handful of garlic cloves inside the chicken. Generously season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on a lower rack in the oven. Roast for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, as measured by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into a deep section of the breast. (My almost 6-pound chicken took about 90 more minutes.) Occasionally baste the chicken with the juices which will begin to collect in the bottom of the pan. When cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Loosely cover with foil and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. Carve and serve. *Save the carcass for chicken soup. An easy chicken soup guide will be coming up soon!

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Pizza Dough with Kids

Posted on October 9, 2010 by amydeline

Food inspiration can come from any place. My sister’s breakfast pizza was inspired by a visit to a gas station, my vanilla carrot bisque came by request of my imaginative toddler, and the internet has recently been flooded with stories and recipes for spaghetti tacos, inspired by an episode of the popular children’s show, iCarly. I’ve got to admit that spaghetti tacos are a genius idea. I’ll probably be serving mine up topped with baby meatballs and cheese. Personally, my inspiration often comes from pictures of food, restaurant menus, or food on tv. It comes through daydreams of favorite flavors and insatiable cravings. In the absence of other ideas, a walk through the grocery store never fails to flood me with inspiration.

Most recently, I was inspired by an episode of Barney. Yes, Barney. My boys and I were snuggled up on the couch one recent morning; our typical early morning routine, prior to starting the day. They were enjoying an episode of Barney, while I was poking around the internet. I looked up to see the giant purple dinosaur skipping around a kitchen, followed by a small army of children, throwing pizza dough in the air and singing a merry song. Boy were they having a grand ol’ time! I casually asked the boys if they’d like to make pizza dough someday. In an instant, my three year threw the blanket off his lap and jumped off the couch, excitedly saying, Lets do it right now!

I was hardly ready to make pizza dough at that very instant, but we did make it the very next day. Myself being a pizza dough novice, I ran a search online for a basic pizza dough recipe. I settled upon a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis at the Food Network. My husband is skeptical of skinny chefs. I love that about my husband. I just want to know her secret. Regardless, Giada knows her way around an Italian kitchen, so I was fully confident in her recipe.

I gathered our ingredients, cleaned our work surface, then called my tiny sous chefs into the kitchen. After getting them cleaned up and reminding them of the importance of clean hands in the kitchen, we set to work.

We started by sprinkling one packet of Dry Active Yeast (7 grams) over 1 1/2 cups Warm Water (approximately 100-110 degrees). An instant-read thermometer is helpful in checking the temperature. Water that is too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will prevent it from activating. Stir until the yeast is dissolved.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 cups Flour with 1 1/2 tsp Salt.

Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and stir to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If the dough gets too wet, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time. We needed to add a few spoonfuls of additional water to achieve the right consistency.

Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a well-floured surface. Lightly coat your hands in flour and knead the dough for about 10-12 minutes. Small children make excellent kneaders.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Turn the dough in the bowl so that all sides of the dough are lightly coated in oil. Cover loosely with a piece of plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for about two hours. It should double in size.

Push down the dough and divide it into 3 equal sized balls. Place each ball in its own oiled bowl. Cover and let rest for another hour.

Thoroughly wrap each ball of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can use it immediately or keep it refrigerated for up to a day.

To use the dough, lightly oil your work surface. Press and pull the dough into an 8-12 inch round. If desired, roll the edges to create an outer crust. Place the pizza round onto a baking sheet which has been sprinkled with a bit of corn meal. The corn meal will prevent the dough from sticking.

Top with your desired sauce, cheese, and toppings. Children love spreading sauce and sprinkling toppings. Set up an assortment of toppings and let them go to town! Bake for about 10 minutes on your oven’s highest heat (about 500 degrees).

As you know, I’m  a huge fan of cooking with kids. It develops a wide range of skills and helps to develop an appreciation of food. The process of cooking together is bursting with teachable moments about language, science, and math. It’s engaging, memorable, and helps kids develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments as they enjoy the product of their work.

To ensure a positive cooking experience with kids, be prepared. Gather the necessary ingredients and materials ahead of time, so you can keep the process moving smoothly. Muster up all of your patience and be prepared for a bit of mess, which admittedly, is often easier said than done. It’s normal for young children to need repeated directions and multiple prompts to stay on task. They may find that brushing all the flour off of the table onto the floor is more interesting than kneading the dough. Take a deep breath and try to redirect their attention. Modeling is your best teaching tool. Prior to each step, explain and show children what to do. If necessary, guide their hands as they complete each step.  Finally, talk, talk, talk as you cook. Talk about the procedure. Talk about the ingredients. Discuss how the yeast makes the dough grow. Make predictions about what will happen next. Ask questions and engage their curiosity.

This pizza dough recipe is a winner! It comes together easily, is a cinch to work with, and tastes perfectly doughy and delicious. It would be delicious with any combination of toppings.  My husband and I enjoyed one of the dough rounds with a few ingredients we had on hand; Bertolli’s Four Cheese Rosa Sauce, sliced pieces of leftover Wine and Cheese Sausage, and a generous sprinkle of a Monterey Jack cheese blend.

The kids chose traditional pizza sauce with mild cheddar, bologna, and pineapple tidbits. Such a kids’ pizza!

Everyone was satisfied with their selections. This dough will most definitely be making future appearances in our home. Also, keep your eye out for a basic pizza sauce recipe, coming up soon!

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Posted in Baking, Breads, Cheese, Cooking with Kids, Food, Main Course, Pizza, Recipes and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Fettucine with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

Posted on October 5, 2010 by amydeline

Here in Syracuse, fall has definitely arrived. The trees are peppered with red, orange, and yellow and the leaves have begun their graceful journey to the earth. The crisp air has the rich smell of autumn, the kids are rejoicing in their collection of hoodies, and pumpkins are ripe for picking.

This past weekend, we took the kids to a great little place called, The Hollow, where every year we enjoy pumpkin picking and assorted fall festivities. There’s a small petting zoo (with a strange animal we dubbed a puppy-cow), a giant ‘sandbox’ full of dried corn kernels, small ride-on tractors, and piping hot, fresh apple fritters. For the first time this year, we even took the kids into the corn maze, which our three year old managed to guide us out of with only one small wrong turn and minimal panic.

Now what?

Then, of course, there are the pumpkins. This year, we finally remembered to bring a wagon so we could carry more than one or two pumpkins back to the car.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins! I love a good pumpkin parfait or a sweet and spicy pumpkin pie, but pumpkin also works beautifully in savory dishes, like my flavorful Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce over Fettucine. Have I got your attention? This recipe is beyond simple and unbelievably delicious. I honestly squealed with delight when the spoon entered my mouth. I start with a basic alfredo sauce of butter, cream, parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. Then, I add a generous amount of pumpkin puree to the creamy sauce and stir. Simple as that. The result is pure autumn magic. Seriously, I promise that you won’t be disappointed!

I’d intended to do a photo guide on preparing fresh pumpkin puree to accompany this post, but the day took on a life of its own. Soon, I promise. In the meantime, canned pumpkin puree will work perfectly. Just be sure that pumpkin is the only ingredient.

Fettucine with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 stick Butter
  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Pecorino Romano/Parmigiano Reggiano blend, grated
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
  • Salt and Pepper, if desired
  • Chicken, cooked (optional)*
  • Pumpkin Seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 pound Fettucine

*I used chicken tenders, seasoned with salt and pepper, then baked at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Directions

Cook fettucine according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or two. Turn the heat down to medium low and add the cream. Whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the cheese and whisk to combine. Whisk in the pumpkin puree and continue cooking for another minute or two. Taste and add salt and pepper, if desired. (The cheese already adds a good deal of salty flavor, so you may not need any extra salt.) If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra cream or even a touch of milk to thin it out.

To serve, spoon some of the hot sauce over cooked fettucine. Top with the warm chicken, pumpkin seeds, and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.

 

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Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfait

Posted on October 1, 2010 by amydeline

Seems like everywhere I turn these days, people are talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Tis the season. People are drinking their Pumpkin Spice Lattes and proudly announcing it to the world. I’ve even seen people throwing around the acronym, PSL, to describe the country’s current favorite barista-prepared beverage. Come on people! It took me about a year to learn that LOL meant Laugh out loud and not Lots of Laughs, which I somehow got stuck in my head. And I never would have figured out that FTW meant For the Win, if I hadn’t asked someone to explain. Heck, even once I knew that it meant For the Win, I still didn’t exactly understand in what context I was supposed to use it. What does For the Win even mean?? I can’t keep up.

As a teen, I remember mercilessly laughing at my mom who’d recounted her story of going into the music store in search of the INXS cassette on my Christmas list and asking the clerk where she could find the Inks cassettes. Wow, I really dated myself with that last statement, didn’t I?? INXS, cassette tapes, and people actually purchasing music in non-digital form. I still have that cassette. If only I could find a functional walkman to play it in.

Oh, but I am quickly becoming that hopelessly clueless mom. My children will surely be laughing at me by the time they reach second grade, when I’ll be rocking out to Green Day on the oldies station. Lots of Laughs! Somebody slap me upside the head if I ever throw on a pair of mom jeans.

Anyway, back to those PSLs. The talk is contagious. I’ve found myself drooling over the thought of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I’m a Peppermint Mocha kind of gal, but I’m pretty sure that if I were standing in front of a Starbucks barista, I’d involuntarily order a Pumpkin Spice Latte. But, I wasn’t standing in front of a barista this morning. I was at the grocery store. And as I passed the prominently displayed racks of canned pumpkin, I couldn’t help but grab a few.

Canned pumpkin is a product I can stand behind. I’m a big proponent of avoiding unnecessary preservatives, thickeners, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers often found in processed foods. And if it means doing things the long way, I’m ok with that. But, canned pumpkin is a major time and mess saver which doesn’t come with any undesirable extras. The only ingredient is pumpkin; pure and simple. So, go ahead and feel good about using canned pumpkin. By all means, if you’ve got a fresh pumpkin and a bit of extra time, feel free to use that too.

These little parfaits are a quick and delicious solution to a spiced pumpkin craving. They’re made simply with lightly sweetened, spiced pumpkin, layered with fresh whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies. Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfaits…FTW!

Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfaits

Ingredients

  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2-3 tablespoons sugar
  • 16 gingersnap cookies

Directions

Crush 12 of the gingersnap cookies. Set aside.

Beat together the pumpkin, cream cheese, brown sugar, and spices until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat together the heavy cream and sugar until thickened.

To assemble the parfaits, divide half of the pumpkin mixture into four cups. Sprinkle 1/3 of the gingersnap crumbs over the pumpkin. Spoon about half of the whipped cream over the gingersnaps in the four cups. Sprinkle with another 1/3 of the gingersnap crumbs. Spoon the remaining pumpkin mixture over the gingersnap crumbs. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbs. Garnish with the remaining whipped cream and a gingersnap cookie.

Serves 4


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