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Fast & Easy Dinner: Provençal Rack of Lamb

partysugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:50:41 -0700

Lots of nights, I crave roast chicken because it's simple and intensely comforting. However, I live alone, and unless I have someone over, cooking an entire chicken seems a bit wasteful. That's why I've taken to roasting rack of lamb instead. It's available in smaller quantities, and when I'm by myself, it feels like a special treat. In this recipe, the lamb is rubbed with a fresh-herb garlic paste before being roasted with tomatoes and potatoes in the oven. The resulting meal is delicious, rewarding, and, with a glass of red wine, wonderfully luxurious. To look at the recipe, read more.

Provençal Rack of Lamb
From Gourmet

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 medium tomatoes, halved
1 (1-pound) frenched rack of lamb (4 to 8 chops, depending on size), cut in half
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced (1/3 cup)
2 medium boiling potatoes, peeled and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
2 tablespoons water

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.
Mince and mash garlic to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir together with herbs and 1 tablespoon oil.
Put tomatoes cut sides up in an oiled small baking dish and drizzle with a third of garlic mixture. Roast until tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, pat lamb dry and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown lamb on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer lamb to a cutting board and discard oil from skillet.
Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet over medium heat and cook shallots and potatoes, stirring occasionally, until edges are browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in water and half of remaining garlic mixture and remove from heat.
Rub remaining garlic mixture on fat side of lamb racks. Arrange lamb over potatoes and roast in oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meat (do not touch bone) registers 130°F for medium-rare, 20 to 25 minutes.
Let stand, loosely covered, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with tomatoes.

Serves 2.

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Celebrate Rosh Hashanah With Honey-Glazed Cornish Hens

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:00:33 -0700

L'Shanah Tovah (Happy New Year)! Last night was the beginning of the Rosh Hashanah. During this time of reflection and rejoicing, much of the celebration happens at the dinner table. The evening meal often includes the bounty of the autumn harvest, such as pomegranates, persimmons, and avocados. Honey is also significant during Rosh Hashanah, as it symbolizes the hope for sweet and joyful days in the year ahead. To ring in the Jewish new year, which is observed through Wednesday night, I made honey-glazed Cornish hens. Since Cornish hens are smaller, they can be roasted whole in less time than it takes to make a roasted chicken. To get this holiday recipe, read more.

Honey and Cumin-Glazed Cornish Hens
From Jewish Holiday Feasts by Louise Fiszer and Jeannette Ferrary

Ingredients

Glaze
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons cumin seed, toasted and crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 Cornish hens, split in half
Salt and pepper

Directions

Combine glaze ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Rinse hens and blot dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Using about a third of the glaze, brush both sides of hen halves.
Place, skin side down, on a baking sheet with low sides. Place in oven and roast 10 minutes.
Turn heat down to 375°F, brush hens again with half the remaining glaze and roast 5 minutes.
Turn hens over and roast 10 minutes.
Brush with remaining glaze and roast until deep golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 8.

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Sunday Dinner: Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs

YumSugar — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:31:31 -0800

When I was a kid, my mom would always save the white chicken meat for my dad. It wasn't until I was a bit older that I realized it created the best situation for my mom. By saving the white meat, she was able to look like a nice wife and she was able to save the best part of the chicken for herself. The white meat of the bird is very tasty, however it's the complex dark meat that is oh-so-delicious. If you enjoy the flavor as much as I do, then check out this recipe I found for Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs. It's a quick meal - however it does require quite a long marinating time - that will be perfect for your Sunday evening. To get the recipe, read more

Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs
From Whole Foods Market

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1 medium shallot, diced
2 tablespoons white wine
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups chanterelle mushrooms
sea salt, to taste
cracked black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup diced pancetta
1/2 medium red onion, cut in wedges through the root
4 golden potatoes or new potatoes, cut in large chunks
4 sprigs fresh thyme

Mix together lemon zest and juice, shallot, wine and 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour lemon juice mixture over them. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
Heat remaining olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until they start to release their juices, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside.
Add pancetta to mushroom pan and brown over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Set aside with mushrooms.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Strain the liquid from the chicken, reserving the shallots and lemon zest and discarding the liquid. Place chicken, shallots, lemon zest, onion, potatoes, thyme, mushrooms and pancetta in a roasting pan. Stir lightly to combine ingredients.
Roast for 15 minutes. Cover and continue cooking 25 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until juices run clear when a piece of chicken is pierced with a knife. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Info
Per serving (About 14.5oz/418g-wt.): 500 calories (160 from fat), 18g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 35g protein, 51g total carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 6g sugar), 105mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium

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Thanksgiving Tip: How to Roast a Turkey

partysugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:23:30 -0800

Although there are many alternative ways to cook a turkey - grilling, smoking, deep frying, etc. - the most classic way to cook the Thanksgiving bird is in the oven. Here are some tips that will help you roast your turkey:

Invest in a roasting thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey's thigh. Make sure the thermometer does not touch the turkey's bone because it will throw off your reading.
When the thermometer reads 160°F–165°F the bird is properly cooked. Take the turkey out of the oven and let sit, untouched tented with foil, for 20–30 minutes. The turkey will continue to cook while it rests, increasing the temperature to around 180°F.
Depending on the shape and size of your bird and its temperature when it enters the oven, the turkey should take anywhere from 1.5–5.5 hours to cook.
Follow the recipe you are using to set the oven temperature and determine whether or not you should baste the turkey. Generally turkeys roast at about 300–325°F.

Hope this helps! If you've got another turkey tip, please share your secret with us below!

Today is National Roast Suckling Pig Day?

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:46:11 -0800

Here's a crazy cool fact to brighten up your Monday: today is National Roast Suckling Pig Day! OK, ok you're probably asking yourself, National Roast Suckling Pig Day?! I did the same when I found out, thought it was too out there to be true. But research proved it is in fact National Roast Suckling Pig Day. Although I doubt any of us will be roasting a suckling pig today (if you are or you have, I want to hear about it!)-or any day soon-I did try it once in Segovia Spain and it was actually delicious. Roast Suckling Pig is a speciality of Segovia, where it is called cochinillo (pronounced co-chee-nee-o). Today try and get the word out, let's all tell one random person - the barista at Starbucks, the driver of your taxi or anyone you see on the street - that today is National Roast Suckling Pig Day.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Roasted Chicken Legs With Potatoes

partysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:43 -0800

If roasting a whole chicken seems like too much work at the end of a long week, consider this recipe that combines chicken legs with potatoes and kale. It's the perfect one-pot meal.

All you have to do is toss everything into a roasting pan, throw it in the oven, and about an hour later, you'll have a flavorful dinner on the table.

Of course, chicken breasts can be substituted for the legs, but the dish may lose some of its rustic appeal. To get the uncomplicated and savory recipe, read more.

Roasted Chicken Legs With Potatoes
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds tender, young kale, stems and inner ribs removed
1 1/2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
8 whole chicken legs (about 10 ounces each)
1 teaspoon paprika
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°. In a very large roasting pan, toss the kale, potatoes and onion with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and spread in an even layer.
Set the chicken on a cutting board, skin side down. Slice halfway through the joint between the drumsticks and thighs. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with the paprika and set on top of the vegetables.
Cover the pan with foil. Roast the chicken in the upper third of the oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and roast for 30 minutes longer, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the vegetables alongside. Serve with lemon wedges.

Serves 8.

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Sunday BBQ: Crown Roast of Pork

YumSugar — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 02:22:22 -0700

There's something about a pork roast that looks absolutely beautiful, especially when it's done up as a crown roast. Just the simple art of tying it up and standing it on its end makes the meat look elegant enough to serve to the most special of special guests. And yet, with careful planning, it can be pulled of with very little effort. If you're looking for something to wow your guests with, then be sure to add this slow-grilled crown roast of pork to your repertoire. Get the recipe, just read more

Crown Roast of Pork
From Weber
Image Source

10 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 crown roast of pork, 7 to 8 pounds, tied in a circle

Makes 8 servings

To make the rub: Press the garlic cloves through a garlic press into a small bowl. Add the rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper and blend with a fork.
Spread the rub all over the roast and in the crevices. Let stand at room temperature one hour before grilling.
Grill the roast, over Indirect High heat for 30 minutes. Then, reduce the grill temperature and continue grilling over Indirect Medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 2-1/2 hours longer. Remove from the grill, lightly cover with foil and let rest 20 minutes before carving.
Cut and remove string from the roast and slice the roast between the rib bones. Serve with grilled seasonal vegetables.

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Electric Pink Pasta Is Oh-So-Scrumptious

partysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:38 -0700

All month long, we've bombarded you with decadent macaroni and cheese recipes. While mac and cheese is delicious and comforting, with an excess of milk and cheese, it's not the healthiest pasta. That's why I thought it was time I share a light and fresh pasta like this rigatoni with ricotta and roasted beets.Don't be alarmed by the vibrant color, the beets stain the pasta pink. It may look unfamiliar, but it tastes earthy and thanks to the ricotta, slightly creamy. Roasted red onions and tons of spinach make this pasta hearty enough to serve as a main course. The alarming yet fun color would please the palate of children, especially around Halloween. To check out the recipe, read more.

Rigatoni With Ricotta and Roasted Beets
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

4 beets (about 3/4 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 pound rigatoni pasta
5 cups baby spinach (about 8 ounces)
1 cup ricotta cheese
Grated peel from 1 lemon, plus 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°.
On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss the beets with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Wrap tightly with foil and roast for 15 minutes.
Unwrap, then arrange the beets in a single layer.
In a small bowl, toss the onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper; arrange on the baking sheet. Roast, tossing halfway through, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente.
Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with the spinach.
In a bowl, whisk the ricotta, reserved pasta water, lemon peel, lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add to the pasta along with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper; toss.

Serves 4.

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The Basics: Roast Chicken

partysugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:28 -0700

Although it may seem complicated, roast chicken is in fact a pretty fast and easy dinner. All you have to do is season the chicken well and throw it in the oven for about an hour. The resulting dish is classic, elegant, comforting, and delicious! It also fills your house with a wonderfully satisfying aroma.

When I make roast chicken, I like to use different herbs and spices. Normally I'll combine them with butter and olive oil and then rub the chicken's skin with the mixture. This technique ensures a seasoned and flavorful skin and moist, juicy interior. To check out my basic recipe that can be adapted to suit your family's needs, read more.

Roast Chicken
Original Recipe

If you have time, take the bird out of the fridge about 25 minutes before you plan on roasting it.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (I used parsley, thyme, and basil)
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, sliced in half
1/2 cup celery leaves
1 onion, roughly chopped
1 carrot, chopped into chunks
1 celery stalk, chopped into chunks
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Combine the garlic, herbs, butter, and olive oil in a small bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
Wash the chicken and dry thoroughly, patting with paper towels.
Season the cavity and outside of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon, celery leaves, and a few pieces of onion.
Throw the remaining onions, carrots, and celery into a roast pan. This will act as a bed for the chicken.
Rub the entire chicken with the herb butter mixture. Slide your fingers under the skin and stuff some herb butter inside.
Set the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the body. Pour the chicken broth and white wine into the roasting pan.
Place in the oven and roast until the skin is deep golden brown and crisp, about an hour to an hour and a half. To see if the chicken is done, pierce the chicken in between the leg and thigh with a knife. If the juices run clear, it is cooked. Or remove from the oven when a thermometer reads between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 15 minutes before carving.

Serves 4-6.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Roasted Garlic White Pizza

partysugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:16 -0700

After a long week, there's nothing like heading home to a delicious dinner and a glass of good wine. When I'm stressed out, I find cooking relaxing - especially if I'm making something like a roasted garlic white pizza.

Instead of a classic tomato sauce, this pizza is slathered with a paste made from roasted garlic. It's then topped with spinach, bacon, ricotta, and mozzarella. Talk about a scrumptious pie! To kick-start your weekend with this dish, get the recipe and read more.

Roasted Garlic-and-Spinach White Pizza
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon cornmeal
12 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
One 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Salt and pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°.
Place the garlic on a sheet of foil; drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon water. Seal and bake until soft, about 30 minutes; let cool slightly.
Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins into a small bowl; add 2 teaspoons olive oil and mash into a paste.
Meanwhile, grease a baking sheet with the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil; dust with the cornmeal. Stretch the pizza dough into a large rectangle and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes; stretch again to almost fill the pan.
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425°. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes; drain and transfer to a plate. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook over low heat until warmed through; season with salt and pepper.
Brush the pizza dough with the garlic paste. Top with the spinach and dollops of ricotta. Sprinkle with the bacon and mozzarella.
Bake for 15 minutes, lower the temperature to 400° and bake until the cheese is brown and bubbling, about 10 minutes.

Serves 4.

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