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Chicken, Dinner, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sauces

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry

November 10, 2021

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry with Roasted Chicken

It must be more than 15 years ago that I first made this all-purpose gravy.  I don’t recall where the recipe came from, but  I’ve made it many times.  So many, that the recipe card is looking rather ragged.  One day, John suggested adding a bit of demi-glace to the recipe.  Best idea ever.  Demi-glace adds an “umami” essence similar to but possibly better than pan drippings and makes the gravy extra delicious.  This is our go to recipe for poultry gravy.  This is a real plus when you want to roast a small turkey breast or chicken that may not provide enough pan drippings to make gravy.

Gravy Ingredients

The only special ingredient required is demi-glace.  I highly recommend Williams Sonoma demi-glace.  Once you pop open the cap, you’ll know why demi-glace is king.  We use the veal demi-glace in the gravy because that’s what we keep on hand.  We use it in other recipes such as filet mignon with bordelaise sauce, pork tenderloin saltimbocca , and pressure cooker beef stew.  Williams Sonoma also sells beef and chicken demi-glace so feel free to use which ever one suits you.

Williams Sonoma Demi-Glace

I whisk the demi-glace with a bit of the chicken broth to thin it out, then add it back to the rest of the broth.  If you add the demi-glace to the 4 cups of broth without doing this step, it will be difficult to obtain a smooth mixture without any lumps.

Williams Sonoma Demi-Glace

Earth Balance Buttery Sticks

Since I am lactose intolerant, I use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks because they are lactose free.  Feel free to use regular butter if you make this recipe.

Earth Balance Buttery Sticks with Flour

Once the Buttery Sticks have melted, the flour is whisked in, followed by the broth mixture and seasonings.

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry

In less than 30 minutes you will have a delicious gravy that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen until ready to use.

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry with Roasted Chicken

The gravy is delicious over roasted chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.  

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry with Roasted Chicken

Best Make Ahead Gravy for Poultry
 
Author:
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 14.5-ounce cans chicken broth poured into 4-cup measuring cup topped off with water to equal 4 cups total liquid
  • 4 tablespoons demi-glace (Veal, Beef or Chicken - Williams Sonoma brand recommended)
  • 1 stick (4 ounces) Earth Balance Buttery Sticks (lactose free version) or regular butter
  • ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons (7 tablespoons total) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
  1. Place demi-glace in a small bowl with high sides. Add four tablespoons of the broth & water mixture to the demi-glace. Cover bowl and microwave for about 10 seconds, just enough to warm the liquid slightly. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Stir the demi-glace mixture into the chicken broth. This step helps to ensure the demi-glace and broth are well combined.
  2. Heat Buttery Sticks or butter in a medium sized sauce pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth paste. Adjust heat if it seems too high. Slowly add the chicken broth mixture to the pan, whisking constantly. Add poultry seasoning, a few pinches of salt and freshly ground pepper. Once the gravy starts to bubble turn the heat down to a very gentle simmer. Let gravy simmer for about 5 - 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring now and then, especially around the bottom and sides of the pan.
  3. Turn heat off. Taste gravy and adjust seasoning adding more pepper and salt as needed. Let cool slightly, then transfer to containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, heat gravy in a sauce pan over medium-low to medium heat. Whisk the gravy to ensure it is smooth. If the gravy seems too thick, add water by the tablespoon to thin out to desired consistency. Gravy may be frozen in sealed containers for up to 4 months.

 

Canning, Lactose Free, Recipes

Fresno Pepper Sriracha

October 22, 2021

Fresno Pepper Sriracha

This recipe has two versions: a long one and a not so long one.  The long version is a labor of love involving growing your own Fresno peppers, specifically the Flaming Flare variety.  It is notably hotter and more productive than other Fresnos. As this option is not practical for everyone, we’ll skip to the short version in which you purchase fresh Fresnos from your market.  This sauce will bear a resemblance to the widely available Huy Fong’s rooster sauce (made with red, ripe jalapeños) but it has brighter and fresher flavors.

Flaming Flare Fresno Peppers

Flaming Flare Fresno Peppers in the Garden

We had a very successful crop of Fresnos.  They are beautiful peppers that grow upright.  And their name says it all, Flaming Flare.

Flaming Flare Fresno Peppers Halved & Seeded

The peppers are halved and seeded before proceeding with the recipe.

Flaming Flare Fresno Peppers Halved & Seeded

Fresno Peppers, Garlic, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt

The seeded and stemmed peppers, garlic, sugar and salt are pulsed together in the food processor until finely chopped.  This mixture goes into a clean quart mason jar.  It will ferment for about seven or eight days.

First Day of Fermentation

Place a small piece of tape at the upper most limit of the pepper mixture with the date so you can monitor the progress of fermentation.  Check the jar each day and stir the contents.  Little bubbles will start forming by day three or four and the level of the mixture will rise above the piece of tape.  After seven or eight days, the mixture will cease rising in volume and the fermentation is complete.

Fifth Day of Fermentation

Fresno Pepper Sriracha

Fresno Pepper Sriracha on Sunny-Side-Up Egg with Kimchi Fried Rice

 

Fresno Pepper Sriracha
 
Author:
Serves: four 8-ounce jars
Ingredients
  • 1¾ pounds fresh Fresno peppers
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1¼ cups distilled white vinegar
Preparation
  1. Snip off green stems from peppers. Slice peppers in half lengthwise and remove all the seeds, taking care to leave ribs and pith intact (that's where the heat lies). Use disposable gloves when handling hot peppers.
  2. When all the peppers have been seeded, place them in the bowl of a food processor along with the garlic, brown sugar, and salt. Pulse until pepper mixture is finely chopped, scraping down the sides as necessary. Transfer mixture to a clean quart mason jar and cover (we like the Easy Fermenter Lid). Place a small piece of tape on the jar at the upper most point of the pepper mixture so you can monitor the progress of fermentation. Check jar each day and stir contents. Little bubbles should start forming by day 3 or 4. You will notice the level of the mixture rising above the piece of tape. After 7 or 8 days the mixture will cease rising in volume.
  3. Transfer pepper mixture to a blender. Add the vinegar and blend on highest setting until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If you are planning to can the sauce, prepare your boiling water bath canner and place 4 8-ounce mason jars inside the canner. Bring water to a simmer, wash lids and rings and set aside.
  4. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes Turn off heat. Remove jars from canner pot and ladle hot sauce into jars leaving ¼-inch headspace. Secure lids and rings, finger tight. Place jars in canner, cover pot and bring water to a boil. Process for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and leave jars in water an additional 5 minutes. Carefully remove jars from canner and transfer to a kitchen towel or cooling rack. Let cool for 24 hours. Remove rings and check lid seal. Sauce is shelf stable and can be stored for 18 months. Refrigerate after opening.
  5. Note: Alternatively, you may skip the canning process and transfer the pepper mixture back to a quart mason jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. You may also use red ripe jalapeños if Fresnos are not available.

 

 

 

Beans, Chicken, Dinner, Mexican, Recipes, Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos

October 10, 2021

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos

Sarah DiGregorio posted this recipe on the NYT Cooking blog.  She mentions that it may be the easiest tacos you will ever make, and I agree.  The two main seasoning ingredients that make this chicken so tasty, are canned chipotle chiles and honey.  These items may already be in your pantry, but if they aren’t, they are easily found in most supermarkets. Spicy, smoky, chipotle chiles combined with honey are the perfect combination.  These tacos are excellent.

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Seasonings

Besides the chicken, chipotle peppers and honey, a few other ingredient make the dish complete.  A bit of cumin, garlic and onion powder add a nice flavor to the chicken and black beans add texture to the finished dish.

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Sauce

A few people commented that the chicken might be too dry since there is no added liquid.  However, as the chicken cooks slowly, it will release some liquid which helps to keep it moist.  Fillings for tacos shouldn’t be too saucy or wet, but if you want yours to have a bit more liquid, add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the slow cooker pot.  If you are making the recipe as posted, use the 1 1/2 pounds of chicken called for, or increase the amount of sauce accordingly if you use more chicken.

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Mixed with Sauce

After the sauce is mixed with the chicken, it cooks on low for 4 hours.  Once it is done, the meat is shredded into bite-size pieces.  Lime juice and black beans are stirred in with the chicken.  The dish is now ready to serve on warmed corn tortillas.  I have frozen leftovers in small containers and it keeps well for about 3 months.

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos
 
Adapted from NYT Cooking
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 2½ - 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large or two medium canned chipotle chiles in adobo, seeds removed, finely chopped + 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (use 1 chile for a milder flavor and up to 4 for very spicy flavor)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • juice of ½ lime
  • warmed corn tortillas
  • pickled onions, avocado, cilantro, cheese, for serving
Preparation
  1. Combine honey, onion and garlic powders, cumin, salt and chipotle chiles (start with the least amount of chiles) and adobo sauce in a small bowl. Taste to see if the sauce is the right heat for you. Add more chipotle chiles if you prefer a spicier sauce. Mix the sauce with the chicken in a 5 to 8 quart slow cooker. Stir well. Cook for 4 hours (minimum 3 hours, maximum 5 hours) on low setting.
  2. Using two forks, coarsely shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir in black beans and lime juice. Cover and let the beans warm through, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve with warmed corn tortillas, pickled onions, avocado, cilantro and cheese

 

Bread, Dinner, Italian, Recipes

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Pan Pizza

September 26, 2021

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza

Pizza is one of our favorite meals to prepare.  Most of the time we make thin crust pizza from a recipe John found in the Pizza Bible.  We bake it on our pizza stone in the oven after preheating it for nearly an hour, and at the highest temperature possible in a standard oven, which is usually 550 degrees (and the pizza is excellent).  I found this cast iron pan pizza recipe at King Arthur’s Baking site and I thought I would give it a try for something different.  Wow!  The rave reviews on their website were spot on.  The delightful airy, yet slightly chewy crust is superb.  I love everything about this pizza.  If you have a cast iron pan, make this pizza. You will love it.

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza

The crust is divine, soft, airy, with the perfect texture. 

Pizza Sauce, Pepperoni, Mozzarella

Use your favorite toppings but keep it simple. You don’t want to weigh the dough down with too many ingredients.

Pizza Dough

Look at this beautiful puffy dough.  

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza - Layering Ingredients

We added the recommended amount of cheese plus a bit of pepperoni, which I have to admit, I can’t resist.

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza - Layering Ingredients

For this pizza, the sauce is added on top of the cheese.  This ensures that the crust bakes up beautifully without being soggy.

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza - Layering Ingredients

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza - Ready to Bake

The last topping is a bit more cheese.  The pizza is then baked into a gorgeous pie.

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza

Crispy Cheesy Pepperoni Cast Iron Pan Pizza
 
Author:
Serves: one 9" - 10" pan pizza
Ingredients
  • 2 cups (240g) King Arthur unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt (7g)
  • ½ teaspoon instant yeast
  • ¾ c (170g) water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, equally divided (13g each)
  • 6 ounces (170g) mozzarella, grated
  • ½ cup (113g) pizza sauce
  • 25 small slices of pepperoni (I render my pepperoni in the toaster oven for 3 minutes before adding to the pizza)
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh julienned basil, fresh or dried oregano, red pepper flakes for sprinkling on the top after baking, optional
Preparation
  1. Special Equipment: 9" - 10" cast iron pan
  2. Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Place flour, salt, yeast, water, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a bowl of a stand mixer or other medium-large bowl. Stir everything together to make a shaggy, sticky mass of dough with no dry patches of flour. This should take 30-45 seconds in a mixer using the beater paddle or about 1 minute by hand, using a spoon or spatula. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to gather the dough into a rough ball; cover the bowl.
  3. After 5 minutes, uncover the bowl and reach a bowl scraper or wet hand down between the side of the bowl and dough, as though you were going to lift the dough out of the bowl. Instead of lifting, stretch the bottom of the dough up and over its top. Repeat three more times, turning the bowl 90 degrees each time. This process of four stretches, which takes the place of kneading, is called "stretch and fold."
  4. Re-cover the bowl and after 5 minutes do another fold. Wait 5 minutes and repeat; then another 5 minutes, and do a fourth and final fold. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 40 minutes. Then refrigerate it for a minimum of 12 hours, or up to 72 hours. It will rise slowly as it chills, developing flavor.
  5. About 3 hours before you want to serve your pizza, prepare your pan. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a well-seasoned cast iron skillet that is 10" - 11" diameter across the top, and about 9" across the bottom. Heavy, dark cast iron will give you a superb crust; but if you don't have it, use another oven-safe heavy bottom skillet similar in size. You can use a 10" round cake pan or 9" square pan. Tilt the pan to spread the oil across the bottom, and use your fingers to spread some oil up the edges of the pan.
  6. Transfer the dough to the pan and turn it once to coat both sides with the oil. After coating the dough in oil, press the dough to the edges of the pan, dimpling it using the tips of your fingers in the process. The dough may start to resist and shrink back; that's OK, just cover it and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then repeat the dimpling/pressing. At this point, the dough should reach the edges of the pan. If it doesn't, give it one more 10-15 minute rest before dimpling/pressing a third and final time. Cover the crust and let it rise for 2 hours at room temperature. The fully risen dough will look soft and pillowy and will jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Don't let the dough rise much longer or it may spill over the pan's edge when baking.
  7. About 30 minutes before baking, place one rack at the bottom of the oven and one toward the top (about 4" - 5" from the top heating element). If you have a pizza stone, place it on the bottom rack. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  8. When you are ready to bake the pizza, sprinkle about three-quarters of the mozzarella evenly over the crust, making sure to cover the entire crust leaving no bare dough showing. This will yield caramelized edges that are delicious. Dollop small spoonfuls of the sauce over the cheese. You may choose to use less than the ½ cup of sauce, using ⅓ cup instead. Scatter pepperoni slices evenly over the pizza. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  9. Place the cast iron pan on your pizza stone if using, otherwise bake the pizza on the bottom rack of the oven for 18 - 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the bottom and edges of the crust are a rich golden brown (use a spatula to check the bottom). If the bottom is brown but the top needs more time, transfer the pizza to the top rack and bake for 2 to 4 minutes. On the other hand, if the top seems fine but the bottom needs a few more minutes, leave the pizza on the bottom rack for another 2 to 4 minutes. Home ovens can vary a lot, so use visual cues and your own preferences to gauge when you have achieved the perfect bake.
  10. Remove pizza from the oven and place on a heatproof surface. Carefully run a table knife or spatula between the edge of the pizza and side of the pan to prevent the cheese from sticking as it cools. Let the pizza cool briefly, transfer to a cooling rack or cutting surface. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
  11. Slice the pizza into thick wedges and serve the pizza anywhere from medium-hot to warm. Pass around the Parmesan, julienned basil, dried oregano and red pepper flakes.

 

Beef, Dinner, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sandwiches, Smoker

Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwiches

September 14, 2021

Smoked Tri-Tip sandwich

Tri-Tip is a cut of meat that I was not familiar with just a few years ago and one that I did not grow up eating as a child. However, last summer I went to my local market and asked the butcher what would be the best cut of meat for my teriyaki meat sticks.  I was surprised when he said “Tri-Tip.”  I went along with his recommendation and never looked back.  This recipe showcases the delicious flavor the Tri-Tip is known for. The lean yet slightly marbled cut of meat is just perfect for the smoker.  It allows the meat to cook slowly, picking up that slightly smoky flavor yet keeping the meat tender and juicy, perfect for a tri-tip sandwich.

Tri-Tip

This is a perfect example of what a Tri-Tip should look like. 

Tri-Tip with Dry Rub

A flavorful and simple dry rub is all you need for this recipe.  The smoky flavor and dry rub create the perfect seasoned meat when sliced up for a sandwich.

Tri-Tip on the Smoker

A remote thermometer probe helps to monitor the process of the meat and avoid overcooking.  If you don’t have one, check the meat with a instant read thermometer periodically.

Smoked Tri-Tip

This glorious Tri-Tip is done!  It’s best to let the meat rest for 20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator until slightly chilled before serving.  This helps to firm up the meat when slicing into thin pieces for the most delectable steak sandwich. 

Smoked Tri-Tip

Smoked Tri-Tip

The Tri-Tip is perfectly tender and so flavorful.  If you don’t already have smoked paprika pick up a jar at your favorite market.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich

We like our Tri-Tip sandwiches stuffed in a roll served with mayo-horseradish sauce, thinly sliced sweet onions, and lots of arugula.  Pickles and chips on the side are a good accompaniment, or if time allows, this potato salad or one with a vinaigrette would certainly be a hit.

Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich

Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwiches
 
Author:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1½ pound Tri-Tip
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (I use Diamond Crystal, if using Morton's decrease to 1½ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (mild)
  • 4 - 6 sandwich rolls, buns, or your favorite bread
  • mayonnaise
  • prepared horseradish
  • sweet onion slices
  • arugula
Preparation
  1. Pat meat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of meat with kosher salt. Place in the refrigerator (on a plate or rack) for 2-3 hours, uncovered.
  2. Heat smoker to 225 degrees. Just before cooking sprinkle meat with pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Massage spices into meat.
  3. Place Tri-Tip directly on rack in smoker and cook for approximately 2½ hours, or until interior temperature reaches 145 degrees. If you prefer your beef more rare, shoot for 135 - 140 degrees. Let beef cool for 20 minutes or so, cover and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for a few hours before slicing into thin pieces. You may also choose to slice the beef before chilling (refrigerating firms it up and makes it easier to slice thin pieces). Serve with mayo-horseradish sauce, sweet onions, and arugula on your favorite rolls, buns, or sandwich bread.

 

Bread, Dinner, Eggs, Fish, Italian, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sandwiches

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

August 29, 2021

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

We love all types of sandwiches but tuna is one of our favorites.  Whether it is tuna salad with mayonnaise, celery, onion and a dash of dried dill, or tuna in olive oil on John’s toasted sourdough, we enjoy all of them.  This particular version is a real treat.  A salsa verde made with Italian parsley, rich olives, briny capers and anchovy fillets plus zesty lemon and olive oil make this sandwich very special.  The salsa verde is refreshing and pairs well with the tuna and hard-boiled eggs.  This is truly a sandwich “to die for.”

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

Tuna in Olive Oil Selection

We buy all sorts of tuna in olive oil.  One of my favorites is As do Mar.  You can find this brand on line or in specialty stores, but I have never seen it in Hawaii markets.  Genova tuna is available at Costco for a very fair price.  Ortiz is another high-end tuna.  The small cans are perfect for two.  We used Ortiz tuna in the jar, above right, for this sandwich.  Beautiful thin tuna steaks are delicious.  You can find this item at Whole Foods in Kahului.  You will pay a dear price for this luxury item, but think of it as a treat that you deserve now and then.  

Italian Parsley from the Garden

We always have Italian parsley growing in the garden.  It is the herb I use most.  It’s great to be able to snip a few sprigs off the plant when you need them.  

Anchovies, Garlic, Lemon Zest, Olives & Capers

Ortiz tuna is top notch and so are their anchovies.  There is no comparison to the ones you might find at the grocery stores.  You can find Ortiz anchovies in the    R. Fields section at Foodland Farms in Wailuku.

Salsa Verde

The salsa verde is delicious and gorgeous.  If you have leftovers, mix it up with pasta shells to make a delicious salad.  Toss some good feta into the salad and you’re all set.

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

Be sure to serve the sandwich on good bread.

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich
 
Adapted from NYT Cooking
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • Salsa Verde: 1 cup lightly packed Italian parsley leaves, washed and dried
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium-large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped green olives
  • 2 large anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • pinch of crushed red pepper
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • Sandwiches: 2 ciabatta rolls or 1 small baguette
  • lettuce leaves or arugula
  • 6 ounces best quality tuna in olive oil, drained
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, halved
Preparation
  1. Whiz parsley leaves and ½ cup olive oil in a food processor or blender to a pesto-like consistency, then transfer to a small bowl. Add garlic, chopped olives, anchovies, capers, lemon zest and red pepper to parsley mixture. Stir well. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. The olives, anchovies and capers are quite salty on their own so additional salt may not be needed.
  2. Split ciabatta rolls or baguette with a serrated knife. Spread cut sides with salsa verde. Put a few lettuce leaves on the bottom piece of the bread and arrange tuna evenly over the lettuce. Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs (salt and pepper each piece). Drizzle with more salsa verde then press sandwich closed. Cut baguette into two even portions and serve.

 

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